RESEARCH - Alteration of serotonin transporter density and activity in fibromyalgia

June 23, 2006

Alteration of serotonin transporter density and activity in fibromyalgia

Bazzichi1 , Gino ccini2 , Betti2 , Giovanni

Mascia2 , Fabbrini2 , Paola Italiani2 , Francesca De Feo2 ,

Tiziana Giuliano1 , Camillo Giacomelli2 , Alessandra Rossi2 ,

Lucacchini2 and Stefano Bombardieri1

1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University

of Pisa, Via Roma 67 - 56126 PISA Italy

2Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and

Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy

Arthritis Research & Therapy 2006, 8:R99 doi:10.1186/ar1982

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the kinetic parameters of a

specific serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin uptake in a mentally

healthy subset of patients with fibromyalgia. Platelets were obtained from

40 patients and 38 healthy controls. SERT expression and functionality were

evaluated through the measurement of [3H]paroxetine binding and the

[3H]serotonin uptake itself. The values of maximal membrane binding capacity

(Bmax) were statistically lower in the patients than in the healthy

volunteers, whereas the dissociation constant (Kd) did not show any

statistically significant variations. Moreover, a decrease in the maximal

uptake rate of SERT (Vmax) was demonstrated in the platelets of patients,

whereas the is constant (Km) did not show any statistically

significant variations. Symptom severity score (tiredness, tender points

index and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were negatively correlated with

Bmax and with Vmax, and positively correlated with Km. A change in SERT

seems to occur in fibromyalgic patients, and it seems to be related to the

severity of fibromyalgic symptoms.

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

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