Changes in cortical protein markers of iron transport with gender, major depressive disorder and suicide

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether a breakdown in proteins regulating cortical iron homeostasis could be involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. METHODS: Levels of select proteins responsible for cortical iron transport were quantitated by Western blotting of Brodmann's (BA) areas 6 and 10 from patients with major depressive disorder (n = 13), bipolar disorder (n = 12) and age/sex matched controls (n = 13). RESULTS: We found the inactive form of ceruloplasmin was lower in BA 6 from males compared to females. Levels of copper containing ceruloplasmin was lower in BA 6 from suicide completers whilst levels of amyloid precursor protein, TAU and trans..