Year: 1995 Source: Biological Psychiatry, v.37, no.4, (February 15, 1995), p.215-223 SIEC No: 19950256

Decreased platelet serotonin (5-HT) transport & reduced binding of imipramine or paroxetine to brain & platelet 5-HT uptake/site transporters in patients with depression & suicide victims define the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) as a candidate gene. The primary structure of the 5-HTT was analyzed in 17 patients with major depressive or bipolar disorder & in 4 healthy controls. Results provide preliminary evidence that alterations in this structure are not generally involved in depressive illnesses.