Membrane biophysical studies of lymphocytes and erythrocytes in manic-depressive illness.

Recent research suggests that manic-depressive illness is associated with a membrane abnormality which is detectable in peripheral tissues. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, the cellular membrane dynamics of intact erythrocytes and lymphocytes from manic-depressive patients and controls were studied in a double blind fashion. A cross-sectional analysis of membrane dynamics was obtained by using fluorescent probes with known affinity for specific regions of erythrocyte membranes. This preliminary study demonstrates alterations in the hydrocarbon region of erythrocyte membranes and the cell surface of lymphocytes in patients with manic-depressive illness. These abnormalities appear to be independent of clinical symptomatology and medication. The membrane abnormality demonstrated by fluorescence spectroscopy may provide clues to the molecular pathophysiology in manic-depressive illness, as well as a method of diagnosis in presymptomatic patients.