Platelet 5-HT concentrations and suicidal behaviour in recurrent major depression.
Platelet 5-HT concentrations were determined in 84 male and 82 female psychotic and non-psychotic depressed inpatients with various degrees of suicidal behaviour, and in 175 healthy controls. Psychotic patients had higher platelet 5-HT concentrations than non-psychotic depressed patients and healthy controls. A sex difference, i.e., lower platelet 5-HT concentrations in females was found in healthy controls, depressed patients, non-psychotic patients and non-suicidal depressed patients. A negative relationship was shown between platelet 5-HT concentrations and suicidal behaviour. The lowest platelet 5-HT concentrations were associated with the most pronounced suicidal behaviour (with suicidal attempts and with the acts of suicide). The results suggest that the differences in platelet 5-HT concentrations found in depressed patients might be used as a biological marker for suicidal behaviour.
Mück-Seler
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Laboratory for Molecular Neuropharmacology, Ruder Bosković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia. seler@olimp.irb.hr
Jakovljević
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M
Pivac
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*
D012701:Serotonin