Elevated plasma nitrate
levels in depressive states
by
Suzuki E, Yagi G, Nakaki T, Kanba S, Asai M
Department of Neuropsychiatry,
Keio University School of Medicine,
35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku Ward,
160-8582, Tokyo, Japan
J Affect Disord 2001 Mar;63(1-3):221-224

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors show preclinical antidepressant-like properties, suggesting that NO is involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The purpose of this study is to examine whether or not NO production increases in depressed patients. Methods: Plasma nitrate concentrations, an index of NO production, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in depressed patients (n=17) and compared with patients suffering anxiety (n=6) and with healthy controls (n=12). Results: Plasma nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in depressed patients than in patients with an anxiety disorder (P<0.05) or in controls (P<0.01). Limitations: The study group was small. The source of the surplus production of NO in patients with major depressive episode remains unclear. Conclusions: These results suggest that NO production is increased in depression.

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