Changes in the platelet intracellular calcium response to serotonin in patients with major depression treated with electroconvulsive therapy: State or trait marker status

Abstract

Platelet serotonin type 2A receptor (5-HT(2A)) sensitivity changes have previously been documented in depression, although it is unclear if this represents a stable trait marker of the illness, or whether it represents an acute state marker of depression that would change with treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be a useful intervention to separate out trait and state marker status avoiding the potential confounding effects of pharmacotherapy on receptor function. Using spectrofluorometry, the platelet 5HT(2A), receptor sensitivity as reflected by the intracellular calcium response to serotonin stimulation, was measured every week in patients suffering from major depression and un..