Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-t5tsf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-03T03:44:09.041Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Platelet studies in panic disorder: A review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Laura Mannion
Affiliation:
Dept of Psychiatry, UCG
Desmond Nugent
Affiliation:
Dept of Pharmacology, UCG
Brian Leonard
Affiliation:
University College Galway, Galway, Ireland

Abstract

Objective: The blood platelet has been proposed as a model of central neurons and may therefore be used as a peripheral marker of psychiatric illness. One method of investigating serotonin function in panic disorder has relied on the use of the platelet as a model of serotonergic neurons. This article reviews the studies of platelet function in panic disorder.

Method: A literature search and review of relevant papers was undertaken.

Result: Studies examining platelet serotonin uptake and concentration in panic disorder patients have to date yielded conflicting results, with some investigators reporting increased serotonin uptake, others reduced uptake. Similarly studies of platelet 3H-imipramine binding have also yielded conflicting results. Two studies of platelet 3H-paroxetine binding have shown a reduction in the density of binding sites (Bmax) in patients with panic disorder. Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in anxiety disorders has been reported to be increased by some investigators but decreased by others. Methodological considerations may have been responsible for these differences. Finally, studies of α2 adrenoceptor density have also produced contrasting findings.

Conclusion: The findings of these studies indicate that platelet function is altered in panic disorder. Such changes may allow an insight into the biochemical aetiology of the illness. Further studies are required to delineate the role of serotonin and non-adrenaline in panic disorder.

Type
Review
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Refernces

1.Leonard, BE. Blood cells as models of neurons: studies in the affective disorders. J Ir Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons 1991; 20: 282–4.Google Scholar
2.Leonard, BE. Changes in platelet serotonergic and adrenergic function in patients with depression, panic attack, and mania. Neuropsychopharmacol 1990: 163–71.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3.Marazziti, D. Blood platelets as a research tool in psychiatry. Int Psychiatry Today 1994; 4: 45.Google Scholar
4.Stahl, SM. The human platelet. A diagnostic and research tool for the study of biogenic amines in psychiatric and neurologic disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1977;34:509–16.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5.Norman, TR, Burrows, GD, Judd, FK. Towards a biochemistry of panic disorders: a critique of platelet studies. In: Burrows, GD, Roth, M, Noyes, R Jr, eds. Handbook of Anxiety Vol 3. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1990: 245–68.Google Scholar
6.Healy, D, Carney, PA, Leonard, BE. Monoamine related markers of depression: changes following treatment. J Psychiatr Res 1983; 17: 251–60.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7.Laubscher, A, Pletscher, A, Noll, H. Interaction of D-LSD with blood platelets of rabbits: shape change and specific binding. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1981; 216: 385–90.Google ScholarPubMed
8.Pletscher, A, Affolter, H. The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor of blood platelets. J Neural Transm 1983; 57: 233–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9.Stahl, SM. Serotonin receptor down regulation by antidepressants: platelet and neuroendocrine markers in humans. Clin Neuropharmacol 1992; 15(1A): 97a.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10.Langer, S, Zarifian, E, Briley, M, Raisman, R, Sechter, D. High affinity 3H- imipramine binding: a new biological marker in depression. Pharmacopsychiatry 1982; 15: 49.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
11.Paul, S, Rehavi, M, Skolnick, P, Goodwin, F. Demonstration of specific high affinity binding sites for 3H-imipramine on human platelets. Life Sci 1980; 26: 953–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
12.Plenge, P, Mellerup, E. 3H-imipramine high affinity binding sites in rat brain-effects of imipramine and lithium. Psychopharmacol 1982; 77: 94–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
13.Briley, MS, Langer, SZ, Raisman, R, Sechter, D, Zarifian, S. Tritiated imipramine binding sites are decreased in platelets from untreated depressed patients. Science 1980; 209. 303–5.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
14.Baron, M, Barkai, A, Gruen, R, Kowalik, S, Quitkin, F. 3H-imipramine binding sites in unipolar depression. Biol Psychiatry 1983; 18: 1403–9.Google ScholarPubMed
15.Elliott, JM. Platelet receptor binding studiesin affective disorders. J Affect Disord 1984; 6: 219–25.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
16.Marazziti, D, Perugi, G, DeHito, Jet al.High affinity 3H-imipramine binding: a possible state-dependent marker fox major depression. J Psychiatr Res 1988; 23: 229–37.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
17.Ellis, PM, Salmond, C. Is platelet imipramine binding reduced in depression? A meta-analysis. Biol Psychiatry 1994; 36: 292–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
18.Winblad, B, Gottfries, C-G, Oreland, L, Wiberg, A. Monoamine oxidase in platelets and brains of non-psychiatric and non-neurological geriatric patients. Medical Biology 1979; 57: 129–36.Google ScholarPubMed
19.Young, WF, Laws, ER., Sharbrough, FW, Weinshilboum, RM. Human monoamine oxidase: lack of brain and platelet correlation. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1986; 43: 604700.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
20.Lampugnani, MG, Buczko, W, Ceci, A, Mennini, A, de Gaetano, G. Normal serotonin uptake by blood platelets and brain synaptosomes but selective impairment of platelet serotonin storage in mice with Chediak-Higashi syndrome. Life Sci 1988; 38: 2193–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
21.Lesch, KP, Wolozin, BL, Murphy, DL, Riedener, P. Primary structure of the human platelet serotonin uptake site: identity with the brain serotonin transporter. J Neurochem 1993; 60: 2319–22.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
22.Rotman, A. Blood platelets in psychopharmacological research. Prog in Neuropsychophamacol Biol Psychiatry 1983; 7: 135–41.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
23.Tuomisto, J, Tukiainen, E. Decreased uptake of 5HT in blood platelets from depressed patients. Nature 1976; 262: 596–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
24.Meltzer, H, Arora, R, Baber, R, Tricou, B. Serotonin uptake by blood platelets of psychiatric patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1981; 38: 1322–6.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
25.Healy, D, O'Halloran, A, Carney, PA, Leonard, BE. Peripheral adrenoceptors and serotonin receptors in depression: changes associated with treatment with trazodone and amitriptyline. J Affect Disord 1985; 9: 285–96.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
26.Nomman, TR, Judd, FK, Gregory, Met al.Platelet serotonin uptake in panic disorder. J Affect Disord 1986; 11: 6972.Google Scholar
27.Norman, TR, Sartor, DM, Judd, FK, Burrows, GD, Gregory, MS, Mc Intyre, IM. Platelet serotonin uptake and 3H-imipramine binding in panic disorder. J Affect Disord 1989a; 17: 7781.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
28.Norman, TR, Judd, FK, Burrows, GD, Mclntyre, IM. Platelet serotonin uptake in panic disorder patients: a replication study. Psychiatry Res 1989b; 30: 63–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
29.Mc Intyre, IM, Judd, FK, Burrows, GD, Norman, TR. Serotonin in panic disorder: platelet uptake and concentration. Internat Clin Psychopharmacol 1989; 4: 16.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
30.Norman, TR, Gregory, MS, Judd, FK, Burrows, GD, Mclntyre, M. Platelet serotonin uptake in panic disorder: a comparison with normal controls and the effect of treatment. Aust NZ J Psychiatry 1988; 22: 390–4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
31.Norman, TR, Burrows, GD, Judd, FK, Mclntyre, IM. Serotonin and panic disorders: a review of clinical studies. Internat J Clin Pharmacol Res 1989; IX 2: 151–7.Google Scholar
32.Charney, DS, Heninger, GR. Serotonin function in panic disorders. The effect of intravenous tryptophan in healthy subjects and patients with panic disorder before and during alprazolam treatment. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1986; 43: 1059–68.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
33.Charney, DS, Woods, SW, Goodman, WK, Goodman, WK, Heninger, GR. Serotonin function in anxiety II. Effects of the serotonin agonist MCPP in panic disorder patients and healthy subjects. Psychopharmacol 1987; 92: 1422.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
34.Pecknold, JC, Suranyi Cadotte, B, Chang, H, Nair, NPV. Serotonin uptake in panic disorder and agoraphobia. Neuropsychopharmacol 1988; 1:173–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
35.Butler, J, Tannion, M, O'Rourke, D, Fahy, TJ, Leonard, BE. Functional changes in the adrenergic and serotonergic systems in patients with panic disorder. Progress in Catecholamine Research Part C: Clinical aspects 1988: 399407.Google Scholar
36.Butler, J, O'Halloran, A, Leonard, BE. The Galway study of panic disorder II: Changes in some peripheral markers of noradrenergic and serotonergic function in DSM-III-R panic disorder. J Affect Disord 1992; 26: 89100.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
37.Nugent, DF, Mannion, L, Leonard, BE. The Galway study of panic disorder IV: Changes in platelet serotonin uptake in a 5-6 year follow up study of DSM- III-R panic disorder. J Serotonin Research 1996; 4: 259–65.Google Scholar
38.Evans, L, Schneider, P, Ross-Lee, Let al.Plasma serotonin levels in agoraphobia. Am J Psychiatry 1985; 142: 241–67.Google ScholarPubMed
39.Balon, R, Pohl, R, Yeragani, Y, Rainey, J, Oxenrug, GF. Platelet serotonin levels in panic disorder. Acta Psychiatrica Scand 1987; 75: 315–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
40.Schneider, LS, Munjack, D, Severson, JA, Palmer, R. Platelet 3H-imipramine binding in generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia with panic attacks. Biol Psychiatry 1987; 22: 5966.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
41.Innis, RB, Charney, DS, Heninger, GR. Differential 3H-imipramine platelet binding in patients with panic disorder and depression. Psychiatry Res 1987; 21:3341.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
42.Langer, S, Briley, M, Raisman, R, Henry, J, Morselli, P. Specific 3H- imipramine binding in human platelets. Arch Pharmacol 1980a; 313:189–92.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
43.Rehavi, M, Paul, S, Skolnick, P, Goodwin, EDemonstration of specific high-affinity binding sites for 3H-imipramine in human brain. Life Sci 1980; 26: 2273–9.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
44.Langer, S, Moret, C, Raisman, R, Bubocovich, M, Briley, M. High-amnity 3H-imipramine binding in rat hypothalamus: Association with uptake of serotonin but not of norepinephrine. Science 1980b; 10: 1133–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
45.Dawson, T, Wamsley, J. Autoradiographic localisation of 3H-imipramine binding sites: association with serotonergic neurons. Brain Res Bull 1983; 11: 325–9.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
46.Fuxe, K, Calza, L, Benfenati, F, Zini, I, Agnati, L. Quantative autoradiographic localisation of 3H-imipramine binding sites in the brain of the rat: relationship to ascending 5-hydroxy trypatamine neuron systems. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1983;80:3836–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
47.Hrdina, PD. Differentiation of two components of specific 3H-imipramine binding in rat brain. Eur J Pharmacol 1984; 102: 481–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
48.Ieni, J, Zukin, SR, Van Praag, HM. Human platelets possess multiple 3H-imipramine binding sites. Eur J Pharmacol 1984; 106: 669–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
49.Phillips, O, Wood, KM, Williams, DC. Binding of 3H-imipramine to human platelet membranes with compensation for saturable binding to filters and its implication for binding studies with brain membranes. J Neurochem 1984; 43: 479–86.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
50.Lewis, DA, Noyes, R, Coryell, W, Clancy, J. Tritiated imipramine binding to platelets is decreased in patients with agoraphobia. Psychiatry Res 1985; 16: 17.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
51.Marazziti, D, Rotondo, A, Placidi, GF, Perugi, G, Cassano, GB, Pacifici, GM. Imipramine binding in platelets of patients with panic disorder. Pharmacopsychiatry 1988; 21: 47–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
52.Iny, LJ, Pecknold, J, Suranyi-Cadotte, BEet al.Studies of a neurochemical link between depression, anxiety, and stress from 3H-imipramine and 3H- paroxetine binding on human platelets. Biological Psychiatry 1994; 36: 281–91.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
53.Faludi, G, Tekes, K, Tothfalusi, L. Comparative study of platelet 3H- paroxetine and 3H-imipramine binding in panic disorder patients and healthy controls. J Psychiatry Neurosci 1994; 19(2): 109–13.Google ScholarPubMed
54.Uhde, TW, Berrettini, WH, Roy-Byrne, PP, Boulenger, JP, Post, RM. Platelet 3H-imipramine binding in patients with panic disorder. Biological Psychiatry 1987;22:52–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
55.Schneider, P, Evans, L, Ross-Lee, Let al.Plasma biogenic amine levels in agoraphobia with panic attacks. Pharmacopsychiatry 1987; 20: 102–6.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
56.Nutt, DJ, Fraser, S. Platelet binding studies in panic disorder. J Affect Disord 1987;12:711.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
57.Maguire, KT, Norman, TR, Apostolopoulos, M, Judd, FK, Burrows, GD. Platelet 3H-paroxetine binding in panic disorder. J Affect Disord 1995; 33: 117–22.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
58.Yu, PH, Bowen, R, Carlson, K, O'Sullivan, Ket al.Comparison of biochemical properties of platelet monoamine oxidase in mentally disordered and healthy individuals. Psychiatry Res 1982; 6: 107–13.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
59.Yu, PH, Bowen, RC, Davis, BA. Boulton AA. A study of catabolism of trace amines in mentally disordered individuals with particular reference to agoraphobic patients with panic attacks. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1983;7:611–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
60.Gorman, J, Liebowitz, MR, Fyer, AJ, Levitt, M, Baron, M, Davies, S, Klein, DF. Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in patients with panic disorders. Biol Psychiatryl 1985; 20: 852–7.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
61.Flaskos, J, George, AJ, Theophilopoulous, N. Symptoms of agoraphobia in relation to monoamine oxidase activity. Clin Neuropharmacol 1984; 7: 180–5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
62.Balon, R, Rainey, J, Pohl, R, Yeragani, V, Oxenkrug, G, McCauley, R. Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in panic disorder. Psychiatry Res 1987; 22: 3742.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
63.Khan, A, Lee, E, Dager, Set al.Platelet MAO-B activity in anxiety and depression. Biol Psychiatry 1986; 21: 847–53.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
64.Norman, TR, Acevedo, A, McIntyre, IM, Judd, F, Burrows, GD. A kinetic analysis of platelet monoamine oxidase activity in patients with panic attacks. J Affect Disord 1988; 15: 127–30.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
65.Robinson, D, Davis, J, Nies, A, Ravaris, C, Sylvester, D. Realation of sex and aging to monoamine oxidase activity of human brain, plasma and platelets. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1971; 24: 536–61.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
66.Murphy, D, Wright, C, Buchsbaum, M, Nichols, A, Costa, J, Wyatt, R. Platelet and plasma amine oxidase activity in 680 normals: analysis sex and age differences and stability overtime. Biochem Med 1976; 16: 254–62.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
67.Berlin, I, Said, S, Spreux-Varoquaux, O, Olivares, R, Launay, J, Puech, A. Monoamine oxidase in heavy smokers. Biol Psychiatry 1995; 38: 75761.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
68.Baron, M, Levitt, M, Perlman, R. Human platelet monoamine oxidase and the menstrual cycle. Psychiatry Res 1980; 3: 323–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
69.Poirier-Liffre, M, Loo, H. Nonspecific factors and variations in biological parameters studied in biological psychiatry. Annales Med Psychol 1990; 150: 181–6.Google Scholar
70.Maura, G, Versace, P, Paudice, P. Chronic environmental stress on the development of MAO and COMT in discrete brain regions. Pharmacological Research Communications 1978; 10: 235–41.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
71.Youdim, MB, Woods, J, Mitchell, B, Grahame-Smith, D, Callender, S. Human platelet monoamine oxidase activity in iron deficiency anaemia. Clinical Science and Molecular Med 1975; 48: 289–93.Google ScholarPubMed
72.Rommelspacher, H, May, T, Dufeu, P, Schidmt, L. Longitudinal observations of monoamine oxidase B in alcoholics: differentiation of marker characteristics. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1994; 18: 1322–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
73.Huang, L, Bowden, C. Platelet monoamine oxidase response to lithium treatment in psychiatric patients. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1984; 4: 326–40.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
74.Marcolin, M, Davis, J. Platelet monoamine oxidase in schizophrenia: a meta- analysis. Schizophr Res 1992; 7: 249–67.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
75.Cameron, OG, Smith, CB, Hollingsworth, PJ, Nesse, RM, Curtis, GC. Platelet α2 adrenergic receptor binding plasma catecholamines before annd during imipramine treatment in patients with panic anxiety. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1984; 41:1144–50.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
76.Nutt, D. Platelet α2-adrenoceptor binding does not predict brain α2-adrenoceptor function. Br J Clin Pharmacology 1987; 24: 122–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
77.Norman, TR, Kimber, NM, Judd, FK, Burrows, GD. Platelet 3H-rauwolscine binding in patients with panic attacks. Psychiatry Res 1987; 22: 43–6.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
78.Uhde, TW, Boulenger, JP, Roy-Byrne, PP, Geraci, MF, Vittone, BJ, Post RM Longitudinal course of panic disorder — clinical and biological considerations. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1985; 3944.Google Scholar
79.Brown, SL, Charney, DS, Woods, SW, Heninger, GR, Tallman, J. Lymphocyte β-adrenergic receptor binding in panic disorder. Psychopharmacol 1988; 94: 24–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed