Phospholipid Liposomes in Depression: A Double-Blind Study versus Placebo

Abstract

Phospholipid liposomes (PL) are capable of stimulating the activity of dopamine (DA)-sensitive adenylate cyclase in mouse brain, and inducing a modification of the noradrenergic hypothalamic system in rat. Changes of prolactin and growth hormone secretion have been observed in humans given PL. A recent double-blind clinical study suggests that liposomes have a good antidepressive effect in depressive patients. 26 patients with depressive syndrome were included in a double-blind study; 13 patients were treated with clomipramine (Cl) + placebo (P), and 13 with Cl + PL. The dose of Cl was 75mg orally daily, that of PL was 200 mg by intravenous infusion in 500 ml isotonic saline solution daily. The symptomatology was evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 using the Hamilton Rating Scale. The results of this controlled trial have shown that both treatments were effective on overall symptomatology but the onset of action of Cl + PL was more rapid than CI + P.