S-100B is increased in melancholic but not in non-melancholic major depression.
BACKGROUND
Recent evidence suggests that neurodegeneration may be involved in the pathophysiology of major depression. The astroglial peptide S-100B was shown to be increased in many diseases causing neuronal cell damage or degeneration.


METHODS
S-100B plasma levels were determined in 28 patients with major depression and 28 matched healthy controls using an immunofluorometric sandwich assay.


RESULTS
Patients suffering from melancholic depression showed significantly increased S-100B levels compared to healthy controls while non-melancholic patients demonstrated normal levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Medication of patients varied. The differentiation between melancholic and non-melancholic patients was performed clinically without using a standardized instrument.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurodegeneration or axonal remodeling may be involved in the pathogenesis of melancholic depression.
Rothermundt
M
M
Department of Psychiatry, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 11, D-48129 Muenster, Germany. rothermu@uni-muenster.de
Arolt
V
V
Wiesmann
M
M
Missler
U
U
Peters
M
M
Rudolf
S
S
Kirchner
H
H
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000503:physiopathology; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012016:Reference Values; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000097:blood*
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit; D009418:S100 Proteins