RESUMO
There are increasing evidences of cell markers present in the immune and the nervous systems. These include neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. Serotonin receptor subtypes are related to depression and also have been shown to be present in certain cells of the immune system. In the present report, we determined the presence of 5-HT(1A) receptors by the binding of the selective agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino)tetralin in lymphocytes of peripheral blood isolated by Ficoll/Hypaque gradients from controls and depressed patients. The capacity of these receptors was around 24 fmol/10(6) cells in both groups of subjects, without significant difference among them. The affinity was in the nM range and either differ between controls and patients. Serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were determined by HPLC with electrochemical detector. There were no significant differences between controls and major depression patients in the values obtained for rich and poor platelet plasma or in the isolated cells. However, there was a reduction in serotonin turnover rate indicated by an increase in the ratio serotonin/5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, but not in that of dopamine, in lymphocytes of major depression patients. Thus, there is a serotonergic dysfunction in immune circulating cells of major depression patients, without changes in the number of 5-HT(1A) receptors, although the coupling of these receptors to transduction mechanisms could be affected and may be related to the alteration of 5-HT turnover rate.
Assuntos
Transtorno Depressivo/sangue , Dopamina/sangue , Linfócitos/química , Receptor 5-HT1A de Serotonina/sangue , Serotonina/sangue , Ácido 3,4-Di-Hidroxifenilacético/sangue , 8-Hidroxi-2-(di-n-propilamino)tetralina/farmacologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Transtorno Depressivo/imunologia , Feminino , Humanos , Ácido Hidroxi-Indolacético/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Psiconeuroimunologia , Agonistas do Receptor de Serotonina/farmacologiaRESUMO
The effects of perinatal treatments with bromopride (BRO), a dopaminergic blocking agent, on serum prolactin (PRL), striatal dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels, and active and inhibitory avoidance behavior of both sexes, were examined in adult Wistar rats. Offspring were divided into four groups depending upon the treatment received by the dams: BV--offspring of dams exposed to BRO only during pregnancy; VB--offspring of dams receiving BRO only during lactation; BB--offspring of dams treated with BRO during pregnancy and lactation; and VV--offspring of dams receiving vehicle during both periods. Active avoidance responses were reduced in males of all experimental groups. Other parameters such as inhibitory avoidance, serum PRL levels, and striatal HVA and DOPAC levels were not different from the control group. The results suggest that there is no relationship between HVA and DOPAC striatal levels, serum PRL levels and the behavioral modifications described here.