Peripheral serotonergic receptor sensitivity in depressive illness.

ABSTRACT

Platelet aggregation induced by 5-HT was used as a measure of the functional responsiveness of peripheral 5-HT receptors in controls and drug-free depressed patients. No significantly different aggregatory response (5-HT/ADP ratio) was noted between the controls and drug-free depressed patients. If the receptor mediating this response is a 5-HT2 receptor, there is no overwhelming evidence to suggest that the functional activity of this system is abnormal during a depressive illness. The results are discussed with reference to reported abnormalities of 5-HT2 receptors during a depressive illness and to their change during antidepressant treatment.