Platelet α2-adrenoreceptors in depression: a critical examination

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Abstract
During the past decade, results from radioligand studies comparing platelet α2-adrenoreceptors in depressed patients and healthy volunteers have been inconsistent, especially when related to the known functional characteristics of these receptors. Despite the availability of radioligands for α2-adrenoreceptors, inherent methodological problems exist which make data from these studies difficult to interpret. The authors review the overall data from radioligand studies using [3H] Clonidine and [3H] yohimbine of platelet α2-adrenoreceptors in depressed patients and healthy volunteers. Theoretical and methodological issues are critically examined in the light of recent findings. Finally, alternative strategies for studying α2-adrenoreceptors in clinical populations are considered.