CHANGES IN PLATELET Α2-Adrenoceptor BINDING POST PARTUM: POSSIBLE RELATION TO MATERNITY BLUES

Maternity blues and major endocrine changes: Cardiff puerperal mood and hormone study II

“…Steroid hormones, body weight, fluid and electrolytes,22 calcium concentrations,23 monoamines,24 tryptophan,25 and platelet receptors26 have all been studied for associations with blues. So far as steroid hormones are concerned, there are practical implications: severe blues often progresses into a major depressive episode,27 and some have advocated treatment with progesterone,28 assuming that depressed mood is linked to falling progesterone levels.…”

Platelet alpha‐adrenoceptors‐a valid model for brain or vascular adrenoceptors?

“…Changes in platelet a2-adrenoceptor number may occur during the menstrual cycle (Jones et al, 1983) and in premenopausal women taking the oral contraceptive pill (Peters et al, 1979). The number of platelet a2-adrenoceptors also falls in postmenopausal women (Elliot & Grahame Smith, 1982) and postpartum (Metz et al, 1983). It has been suggested that such a decrease in a2-adrenoceptor number might be related to mood disorders such as 'maternity blues' occurring at these times.…”

The aetiology of postpartum psychosis: Why are there no answers?

“…Since these are reduced postnatally, falling oestrogens in postpartum women may increase vulnerability to mood disturbance by lowering CNS alpha 2 receptors. However, Metz et al (1983) found that platelet alpha 2 receptors showed persistent, higher binding capacity in patients with 'blues' and there was no direct relationship to oestrogen or progesterone levels. In addition, platelet studies remain of doubtful validity in the determination of CNS changes.…”