Platelet Monoamine Oxidase Activity and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Uptake in Agoraphobic Patients

Platelet MAO activity and platelet serotonin uptake were determined in 20 agoraphobic and 16 neurotic depressive out-patients, and 19 healthy volunteers. Agoraphobic patients were characterised by significantly higher mean values of platelet MAO activity compared with the other two groups, while neurotic depressive patients exhibited significantly higher maximum platelet serotonin uptake velocity. These findings are compatible with an abnormality in the uptake and metabolism of serotonin.