Platelet imipramine binding in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder before and after phenelzine treatment.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with major depressive disorder, and antidepressants have been reported to ameliorate PTSD symptoms in some patients. The present study assessed the number and affinity of platelet imipramine binding sites, as a marker of the serotonin transporter complex, in PTSD male patients (n = 10) before and after phenelzine treatment (30-60 mg/day, for 4 weeks) as well as in comparison to healthy controls (n = 10). In our sample, there was no evidence of a significant difference in the characteristics (Bmax and Kd) of platelet [3H]imipramine binding between the PTSD patients and the controls and within PTSD patients before and after phenelzine treatment. Moreover, no beneficial effect of phenelzine was detected in the patients (as assessed by PTSD, anxiety, and depression scales).