Platelet monamine receptor binding in alcoholics during withdrawal
Nutt, D.; Glue, P.; Stewart, A.
British Journal of Addiction 82(11): 1253-1255
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0952-0481 PMID: 2827717 Document Number: 295954
The binding of 3H-yohimbine (a measure of alpha-2-adrenoceptors) and 3H-imipramine (a measure of the 5HT transporter site) was assessed in whole platelets in a group of 12 recently detoxified male alcoholics. Comparison with age- and sex-matched control group revealed no differences in either binding capacity (B max) or affinity (Kd) for either ligand. These results suggest that platelet monoamine receptors may not be altered by alcohol or the experience of withdrawal. They are discussed in the light of reported alterations in brain monoamines in alcoholics.