Serum endocannabinoid content is altered in females with depressive disorders: a preliminary report.

摘要: Background: Preclinical research has suggested that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in etiology and/or treatment of depression; however, there are no published studies examining circulating content patients with clinical depression. Methods: This study examined endocan-nabinoids (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) serum from ambulatory, medication-free female diagnosed minor or major depression, controls matched for demographic characteristics. Results: Serum 2-AG was significantly decreased this decrease correlated negatively duration depressive episode, such progressively lower longer episode. While AEA not associated depression per se, a strong negative correlation found between Hamilton ratings cognitive somatic anxiety, suggesting relate to anxiety dimension affective disorders. In subjects elevated, demonstrating similar, but statistically insignificant trend. Discussion: These first data indicate disturbed disease, suggest future is required determine relevance these changes respect disease manifestation pharmacotherapy.