Platelet Imipramine Binding in Depressed Children and Adolescents

In this study, kinetic constants of platelet imipramine binding were determined in youths with major depression & controls. Those who were actively depressed had significantly fewer imipramine binding sites (B-max) than recovering depressives & controls. Actively depressed males, but not females, had fewer imipramine binding sites than both of their sex-matched comparison groups. Neither age, Tanner stage or circannual rhythms influenced B-max, but suicidality may be associated with low B-max.