Venlafaxine alters microvascular perfusion, [123I]-beta-CIT binding and BDI scores in flushing postmenopausal women

Sassarini, J., Krishnadas, R. , Cavanagh, J. , Nicol, A., Pimlott, S. L. , Ferrell, W. and Lumsden, M. A. (2014) Venlafaxine alters microvascular perfusion, [123I]-beta-CIT binding and BDI scores in flushing postmenopausal women. Maturitas, 77(3), pp. 267-273. (doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.12.003)

Abstract

Background Although 70% of postmenopausal women suffer from hot flashes the pathophysiology is poorly understood. The serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine provides relief of flushing although the mechanism is unknown and could involve a central effect and/or a peripheral effect. Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) we studied the central serotonin transporter (SERT) in vivo using [123I]-beta-carbomethoxy-3-β-(4-iodophenyl)tropane (beta-CIT) and, as previous studies have shown that reactivity of the skin blood vessels is enhanced in those who flush, we examined cutaneous microvascular perfusion. Methods Cutaneous microvascular perfusion was assessed in 31 postmenopausal women, with flushing, using laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis (LDI + ION), before and after 8 weeks of treatment with venlafaxine. A sub-group of 14 of these women also had SPECT imaging at both time points to evaluate the availability of SERT in the brain. Flush frequency and score was recorded, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) II scores were assessed before and after treatment. Results Following treatment with venlafaxine, there was a significant reduction in the [123I]-beta-CIT binding ratio, BDI scores, flushing and endothelial dependent perfusion response. [123I]-Beta-CIT reduction was associated with BDI reduction (r2 = 0.54; F = 8.8; p = 0.004), but not flushing reduction or perfusion reduction. Conclusions Venlafaxine resulted in a decrease in BDI II scores with an associated reduction in [123I]-beta-CIT binding in a group of non-depressed women. It also improved flush frequency and severity which may be as a result of decreases seen in enhanced cutaneous microvascular perfusion.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pimlott, Dr Sally and Ferrell, Professor William and Cavanagh, Professor Jonathan and Nicol, Dr Alice and Lumsden, Professor Mary and Sassarini, Dr Jenifer and Krishnadas, Dr Rajeev
• Authors: Sassarini, J., Krishnadas, R., Cavanagh, J., Nicol, A., Pimlott, S. L., Ferrell, W., and Lumsden, M. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Maturitas
• Publisher: Elsevier Ireland Ltd
• ISSN: 0378-5122
• ISSN (Online): 1873-4111

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