Abstract
The objective of our study was to investigate if there are abnormalities in signal transducing G proteins in patients with panic disorder. We utilized selective antibodies to quantitate the levels of the G protein α subunits that regulate adenylyl cyclase activity (Gαs and Gαi2) and phosphoinositide turnover (Gαq/11) in platelet membranes (and leukocyte membranes for Gαs), and also carried out pertussis toxin (PT) catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation in platelet membranes from a group of 13 untreated panic disorder patients, 10 untreated social phobia patients, and 12 healthy subjects. There were no significant differences among the three groups in the immunolabeling of Gαs in platelets or leukocytes, or in the immunolabeling of Gαi1/2, Gαq/11, or PT-catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation in platelets. Within the constraints imposed by using peripheral blood cells to reflect brain composition, our results do not provide support for G protein abnormalities in patients with panic disorder. These results contrast with those obtained using identical methodology in bipolar affective disorder, where elevated Gαs in leukocytes has been reported (Manji et al. 1995).
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Stein, M., Chen, G., Potter, W. et al. G-Protein Level Quantification in Platelets and Leukocytes from Patients with Panic Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacol 15, 180–186 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1016/0893-133X(95)00182-D
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0893-133X(95)00182-D