Platelet α2-adrenergic receptor coupling efficiency to G(i) protein in subjects with post-traumatic stress disorder and normal controls

George N M Gurguis, Reagan Andrews, Debra Antai-Otong, Stephanie P. Vo, Emily J. Dikis, Paul J. Orsulak, A. John Rush

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Low platelet membrane α2-adrenergic receptor (α2AR) density and low basal and forskolin-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate responses, which have been reported in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggest either abnormal α2AR coupling to G(i) protein or dysregulation in post- receptor signal transduction mechanisms. α2AR density in the high- and low- conformational states, agonist affinity in both states and coupling to G(i) protein were investigated in 23 drug-free combat PTSD patients and 25 normal controls. α2AR coupling measures were not different between PTSD patients and controls. Total α2AR density was higher in PTSD patients than controls, due to a higher density of the receptor in the high-conformational state. There were no differences in agonist affinity to the receptor in either conformational state. Results rule out dysregulation in α2AR coupling to G(i) protein. Studies of post-receptor signal transduction mechanisms are warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)258-266
Number of pages9
JournalPsychopharmacology
Volume141
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Coupling
  • Depression
  • G protein
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • α-Adrenergic receptor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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