engleski

Platelet serotonergic markers in alcoholism

Serotonergic dysfunction is implicated in the antisocial personality disorders and alcoholism, and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been reported to be altered in different behaviours disturbed in alcoholism and addiction. Since 5-HT in platelets might be used to study the pharmacodynamics of 5-HT in the central serotonergic neurones, we determined peripheral serotonergic markers in alcoholism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pre-treatment values of platelet 5-HT and platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) in drug-free alcoholics, and to compare these values with the values in sex-matched healthy controls. Diagnosis of alcoholism was established by two psychiatrists according to ISD-10 and DSM-IV criteria. All subjects were drug-free before the samples were selected. Groups were sex- and age-matched. All participants gave their informed consent. Platelet 5-HT concentration and platelet MAO activity were determined spectrofluorimetrically. Significantly higher platelet 5-HT concentration was detected in 110 male healthy controls and 135 male alcoholic subjects than in 123 female controls or 34 female alcoholics. Platelet 5-HT concentration was significantly decreased in alcoholic subjects when compared to their corresponding controls. Platelet MAO activity differed significantly between the alcoholics and healthy controls, with marginally higher platelet MAO activity in female than in male subjects. Alcoholics had a slightly lower platelet MAO activity than healthy subjects. The data from our study are in line with a diminished peripheral 5-HT markers found in alcoholism, and support the hypothesis that alterations in 5-HT system might be related to development of alcohol dependence and antisocial traits associated with alcoholism.

alcoholism; platelet serotonin; platelet MAO

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