Abstract: To elucidate the role of serotonin transporter (SERT) protein as acandidate target for somatoform disorders (SD), we have performed an association study ofthe SERT immunoreactive (IR-SERT) protein level by using site-specific antibodies directedat C-terminus epitope poorly conserved among other cotransporters. 22 patients who metDSM-IY criteria for SD and 32 healthy volunteers matched in sex and age participated inthe study. In platelets from all healthy donors, IR-SERT proteins migrates as a diffuseband between 75 and 102 kDa and a major sharper band at 43 kDa. We revealed almostcomplete disappearance of platelet 43 kDa IR-SERT protein in all patients with SD. Allpatients were rated with Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale (HDRS). There were found asignificant negative correlation between residual IR-SERT 43kDa protein level and HDRSScores [r= -0.83; P<0.000001]. These findings suggest that a biosynthetic or processingabnormality may exist in SERTs in the affected population and may reflect the dysfunctionof serotonin neurotransmission in CNS.
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Reference: Belous A.R., Ramamoothy S., Blakely R.D., Factor M.I., Lozier R.Y., Dupin A.M., Bechiashvili A.G., Brusov O.S., Morozova M.A., Loss of serotonin transporter immunoreactive 43-kDa protein in platelets from patients with somatoform disorders correlates with depressive symptoms, Voprosy meditsinskoi khimii, 1999, vol: 45(3), 256-262.
