[The thrombocytic serotoninergic markers of the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in endogenous depressions].

The changes of main platelet serotonergic parameters (maximal velocity of 3H-serotonin uptake, Vmax; and density of (3)3H-imipramine binding sites, Bmax) were followed up in 25 endogenously depressed patients before and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It was found a marked decrease in the velocity of 3H-serotonin uptake into platelets (Vmax) from patients before ECT (especially in non-responder group) and the significant increase of Vmax- and Bmax-values after the course of ECT in responders but not in resistant patients (non-responders). The increase of Vmax- and Bmax-values in responders was evidence of the rise of the functional activity serotonin system after treatment. The results evidence about the significance of serotonergic-mechanisms in the therapeutic efficacy of ECT.