Chronic HCV-infection, interferon-alpha treatment and peripheral serotonergic dysfunction

Hepatitis-C-infection (HCV) is associated with an increased incidence of the chronic fatigue syndrome and depressive mood changes. Beside immunological changes the modulation of the serotonergic system might be related to these psychiatric syndromes. Blood platelets represent an important tool for research of the involvement of serotonergic mechanisms in HCV and interferon-alpha related mood changes. Method: In a prospective controlled study platelet measures included assays of 5-HT concentration and 5-HT uptake activity at a low physiological substrate concentration in platelets as well as MAO-B activity of 64…