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Toward a Biochemical Classification of Depressive Disorders IX

DST Results and Platelet MAO Activity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Alan F. Schatzberg*
Affiliation:
Affective Disease Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02178
Anthony J. Rothschild
Affiliation:
Harvard Medical School and Affective Disease Program, McLean Hospital
Benjamin Gerson
Affiliation:
Harvard Medical School; Psychiatric Chemistry Laboratory, New England Deaconess Hospital
Jan E. Lerbinger
Affiliation:
Affective Disease Program, McLean Hospital
Joseph J. Schildkraut
Affiliation:
Harvard Medical School; Neuropsychopharmocology Laboratory, Massachusetts Mental Health Center; and Psychiatric Chemistry Laboratory, New England Deaconess Hospital
*
Correspondence

Summary

Post-dexamethasone cortisol and platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity levels were examined in 50 depressed patients. The incidence of non-suppression was significantly greater in patients with high platelet MAO activity than in those with low activity. Similar results were obtained when males and females were analysed separately. The mean 4 p.m. post-dexamethasone cortisol level was significantly higher in those patients who had high MAO activity than in their low MAO counterparts. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between platelet MAO activity and 4 p.m. post-dexamethasone cortisol levels.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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