Low plasma levels of L-arginine, impaired intraplatelet nitric oxide and platelet hyperaggregability: implications for cardiovascular disease in depressive patients.

Background: Major depression (MD) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, but the exact mechanisms are not clear. In this study we have investigated the intraplatelet L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway and platelet function in depressive patients.

Methods: Nineteen unmedicated patients with MD (34±4years) and 19 control subjects (CS, 34±3years) were included.