The relationship of the platelet 5-HT-induced calcium response to clinical symptoms in eating disorders

Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1999 Mar;142(3):289-94. doi: 10.1007/s002130050891.

Abstract

Clinical observations indicate that persons with eating disorders exhibit many psychopathologic symptoms such as difficulty with impulse control and depressed mood associated with impaired regulation of serotonin (5-HT) synaptic function in the central nervous system. In this study, we focused on the relationship between the 5-HT-induced calcium response in platelets and the clinical symptoms. While age, body weight, and severity of depressive symptoms were not correlated with 5-HT-induced response, there was an enhanced response in patients with bulimic symptoms or other impulsive behaviors. Moreover, patients with multi-impulsive behaviors had a significantly higher maximal increase than patients with uni-impulsive behavior, i.e., those who had only bulimic symptoms, as well as non-impulsive patients, and controls. Considering these results, the 5-HT-induced response may be related to difficulty with impulse control in general rather than bulimic eating attitudes specifically.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Body Weight
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / metabolism
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / complications
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / metabolism*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A
  • Receptors, Serotonin / physiology*
  • Seasons

Substances

  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Calcium