E Suzuki1, G Yagi, T Nakaki, S Kanba, M Asai. 1. Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. e-suzuki@med.keio.ac.jp
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors show preclinical antidepressant-like properties, suggesting that NO is involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The purpose of this study is to examine whether or not NO production increases in depressed patients. METHODS: Plasma nitrate concentrations, an index of NO production, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in depressed patients (n=17) and compared with patients suffering anxiety (n=6) and with healthy controls (n=12). RESULTS: Plasma nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in depressed patients than in patients with an anxiety disorder (P<0.05) or in controls (P<0.01). LIMITATIONS: The study group was small. The source of the surplus production of NO in patients with major depressive episode remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NO production is increased in depression.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors show preclinical antidepressant-like properties, suggesting that NO is involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The purpose of this study is to examine whether or not NO production increases in depressedpatients. METHODS: Plasma nitrate concentrations, an index of NO production, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in depressedpatients (n=17) and compared with patients suffering anxiety (n=6) and with healthy controls (n=12). RESULTS: Plasma nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in depressedpatients than in patients with an anxiety disorder (P<0.05) or in controls (P<0.01). LIMITATIONS: The study group was small. The source of the surplus production of NO in patients with major depressive episode remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NO production is increased in depression.
Authors: Rafael T de Sousa; Marcus V Zanetti; Geraldo F Busatto; Margaret G Mouro; Carlos A Zarate; Wagner F Gattaz; Elisa M Higa; Rodrigo Machado-Vieira Journal: J Psychiatr Res Date: 2014-04-12 Impact factor: 4.791
Authors: Michelle Silva; Daniele C Aguiar; Cassiano R A Diniz; Francisco Silveira Guimarães; Sâmia R L Joca Journal: Cell Mol Neurobiol Date: 2011-11-27 Impact factor: 5.046