Psychiatry Investig.
2020 Jun;17(6):579-586. 10.30773/pi.2020.0033.
Platelet Serotonin Concentration Is Associated with Illness Duration in Schizophrenia and Chronological Age in Depression
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
- 2Croatia and Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
- 3Clinical Department of Chemistry, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
- 4Croatia and University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- KMID: 2503066
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2020.0033
Abstract
Objective
Impaired serotonergic neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression and schizophrenia. Blood platelets have been used for years as a peripheral model of neuronal serotonin dynamics. The objective was to investigate platelet count and serotonin concentration in patients with depression and schizophrenia, in an attempt to ascertain their clinical usefulness.
Methods
953 participants were included in the study, 329 patients with depression, 339 patients with schizophrenia and 285 healthy controls. ELISA was used to assess platelet serotonin concentrations.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences among groups regarding age, total platelet count and serotonin concentration. Linear regression analyses revealed inverse correlations between platelet serotonin concentration and age of patients with depression and healthy individuals, as well as between platelet serotonin concentration and illness duration in patients with schizophrenia. In other words, longer illness duration in patients with schizophrenia, and higher age in patients with depression and healthy individuals was associated with lower platelet serotonin concentrations.
Conclusion
Platelet count and serotonin concentration did not prove to be of diagnostic value in differentiating patients and healthy individuals. However, illness duration in patients with schizophrenia may be associated with reduced concentrations of platelet serotonin.
