In:
International Psychogeriatrics, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 12, No. 4 ( 2000-12), p. 537-545
Abstract:
It is well known that abnormalities in the brain serotonin system exist in patients with dementia. The present study was performed in order to investigate whether a peripheral serotonin system marker, the platelet 5-HT 2A receptor, is affected in dementia. Thirty-eight patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 13 patients with vascular dementia, and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. There were no significant differences in receptor density for 5-HT 2A receptor binding between the groups. Affinity of the radioligand to the receptor was significantly lower in AD than in vascular dementia and in the controls ( p = .006 and p = .003, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference between the vascular dementia group and the control group. In 12 patients, treatment with citalopram was started due to depression or agitation. This treatment significantly reduced the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale scores ( p = .001), but did not affect the platelet 5-HT 2A receptor status. There was no correlation between 5-HT 2A receptor status before treatment and the therapeutic effect of citalopram. The study indicates that platelet 5-HT 2A receptor status is of limited value as a peripheral marker in dementia.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1041-6102
,
1741-203X
DOI:
10.1017/S1041610200006645
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2000
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2147136-8
