The association between the onset of depressive illness and the paramenstruum has been reported. In the present study, we looked at changes in platelet 5-HT uptake in six healthy, regularly menstruating subjects on days 1, 10, and 24 of three consecutive menstrual cycles to explore possible biochemical bases for mood changes associated with menstruation. Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake was determined by suspension of platelet pellets in 0.5-5 microM hydroxy [G-3H] tryptamine [( 3H]-5-HT) creatinine sulfate solution at 37 degrees C and measurement of radioactivity of [3H]-5-HT in the platelets using liquid scintillation counting. Mood changes were measured using the Moos Menstruation Distress Questionnaire and the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale. Analysis of variance and trend analysis revealed significant elevation of Km and Vmax on day 24 of the cycle, which was consistent across the three menstrual cycles studied. A significant linear rise of "negative affect" across each cycle peaking on day 1 was detected. "Water retention" and "behavioral change" also peaked on day 1. No significant correlation, however, was obtained between the mood scores and platelet 5-HT uptake. These findings are discussed.

Changes induced by adrenalectomy, triamcinolone treatment and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) treatment on the uptake of [3H]-serotonin into platelets were studied ex vivo, using rat platelets suspended in physiological medium. Adrenalectomy caused a decrease in active uptake of serotonin and an associated increase in apparent Km. Treatment of the adrenalectomized rats with triamcinolone (0.25 mg/kg), but not DOC (1.0 mg/kg) restored the active uptake of serotonin. At triamcinolone dose of 0.5 mg/kg, the serotonin uptake was raised to a level that was significantly higher than normal. Kinetic analysis of uptake data showed the apparent Km to be affected by both triamcinolone and DOC, while the apparent Vmax of uptake rate was increased by triamcinolone treatment.

In rats subjected to restraint and exposure to cold, naloxone did not significantly influence the increased serum concentrations of corticosterone or the incidence of stress ulceration, but it significantly reduced the severity of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that endogenous opioids released during stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of stress ulceration. They also support the theory that the adrenocorticosteroids are unimportant aetiological factors in stress ulcer formation.

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