Abstract | OBJECTIVES:
Cholesterol forms an integral part of cell membranes and is a major component of myelin. Furthermore, cholesterol also plays a vital role in the development, function and stability of synapses. While low serum cholesterol has previously been associated with mood disorders, cholesterol levels have yet to be quantified within the brain in these disorders. The aim of this study was to quantify sterol levels in the brains of patients with major psychiatric disorders and further to relate these levels to markers of myelin and synapses. METHODS: RESULTS:
Cholesterol levels were 13% lower in MDD (p = 0.018) and 10% lower in BPD (p = 0.052) compared with controls. Cholesterol precursor or metabolite concentrations did not differ between groups. Synaptophysin immunoreactivity was 20% lower in BPD (p = 0.025) and VAMP immunoreactivity 37% lower in MDD (p = 0.032) and 45% lower in BPD (p = 0.009). MBP immunoreactivity was not altered in any disorder. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Clare L Beasley, William G Honer, Klaus Bergmann, Peter Falkai, Dieter Lütjohann, Thomas A Bayer |
Journal | Bipolar disorders
(Bipolar Disord)
Vol. 7
Issue 5
Pg. 449-55
(Oct 2005)
ISSN: 1398-5647 [Print] Denmark |
PMID | 16176438
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- Myelin Basic Protein
- SNARE Proteins
- Synaptophysin
- Cholesterol
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Topics |
- Adult
- Association
- Biomarkers
- Brain
(metabolism)
- Cholesterol
(metabolism)
- Chromatography, Gas
- Depressive Disorder, Major
(metabolism)
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoblotting
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mood Disorders
(immunology, metabolism)
- Myelin Basic Protein
(metabolism)
- SNARE Proteins
(metabolism)
- Schizophrenia
(metabolism)
- Synapses
(metabolism)
- Synaptophysin
(immunology)
- Visual Cortex
(metabolism, pathology)
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