T he protein kinase A in platelets from patients with panic disorder

Although previous studies suggested that dysfunctions in the protein kinase A (PKA) and in some of its substrates are associated with several psychiatric disorders, there is no evidence regarding the possible involvement of such components in panic disorder (PD). Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of PKA and Rap1 in platelets from patients with such disorder. Twenty-four drug free patients with PD and 24 healthy volunteers participated to the study. Employing the Western Blot analysis, immunostaining and computer-assisted imaging, the levels of the regulatory (R, type I and type II) and the catalytic (C) subunits of PKA, and those of Rap1 were assessed in platelets from the two groups. The data show that patients with PD have significantly higher levels of platelet RI and C subunits of PKA than controls, whereas the levels of RII were unchanged. No significant differences were found in the immunolabelling of Rap1 between groups. These findings may provide clues toward understanding the involvement of cAMP signalling in anxiety disorders.  2002 Elsevier Science B.V. /ECNP. All rights reserved.