High-affinity 3H-imipramine binding in platelets of children and adolescents with major affective disorders.

High-affinity 3H-imipramine binding to platelet membranes was evaluated in 12 untreated children and adolescents aged 11-17 years who met the DSM-III criteria for major affective disorders. The affective patients were compared to 13 nonaffective subjects and 15 normal controls of similar ages. No significant difference in the maximal binding of 3H-imipramine (Bmax) and Kd values could be found among the three groups. 3H-Imipramine binding values failed to discriminate between patients with major depression and those with bipolar disorder, depressed type. No association between a positive family history of major affective disorders and 3H-imipramine binding values was detected.