Neuroligand binding endophenotypes in blood cells distinguish two subsets of borderline personality disorder patients

Neurosci Lett. 2009 Sep 22;462(2):144-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.07.002. Epub 2009 Jul 8.

Abstract

Neurotransmitter ligand binding in blood cells was assessed in borderline personality disorder (BDP) patients, testing the possibility that different biochemical endophenotypes might lie beneath a specific clinical presentation. The density of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBR) and serotonin transporters were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and platelets, respectively, showing a decrease of both parameters. Moreover, a further significant decrease of PBR in PBMC was shown for those patients with a depressive trait. Further confirmation of the presence of different molecular endophenotypes underlying the dissimilar clinical presentations in BPD may advance our possibility of successfully treating these patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / blood*
  • Hematologic Tests / methods
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism*
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, GABA-A / blood*
  • Serotonin / blood*

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Serotonin