Pharmacopsychiatry 2008; 41(2): 48-53
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-993211
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Serum Endocannabinoid Content is Altered in Females with Depressive Disorders: A Preliminary Report

M. N. Hill 1 , G. E. Miller 1 , W.-S. V. Ho 2 , B. B. Gorzalka 1 , C. J. Hillard 2
  • 1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia Vancouver, B. C., Canada
  • 2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

received 15.06.2007 revised 04.09.2007

accepted 05.10.2007

Publikationsdatum:
29. Februar 2008 (online)

Abstract

Background: Preclinical research has suggested that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in the etiology and/or treatment of depression; however, there are no published studies examining circulating endocannabinoid content in patients with clinical depression.

Methods: This study examined the endocannabinoids (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) in serum from ambulatory, medication-free female patients diagnosed with minor or major depression, and in controls matched for demographic characteristics.

Results: Serum 2-AG content was significantly decreased in patients diagnosed with major depression, and this decrease was correlated significantly and negatively with duration of the depressive episode, such that 2-AG content was progressively lower the longer the depressive episode. While AEA was not associated with major depression per se, a strong negative correlation was found between serum AEA content and Hamilton ratings for cognitive and somatic anxiety, suggesting that AEA content may relate to the anxiety dimension of affective disorders. In subjects with minor depression, serum AEA was significantly elevated, with 2-AG content demonstrating a similar, but statistically insignificant trend.

Discussion: These are the first clinical data to indicate that the endocannabinoid system may be disturbed in affective disease, and suggest that future research is required to determine the relevance of these changes with respect to disease manifestation and pharmacotherapy.

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Correspondence

Dr. B.B. Gorzalka

Department of Psychology

University of British Columbia

2136 West Mall

Vancouver

B. C. Canada V6T1Z4

Telefon: +1/604/822 39 50

Fax: +1/604/822 69 23

eMail: bgorzalka@psych.ubc.ca

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