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Alterations in the cortical serotonergic system in schizophrenia: a postmortem study.

E V Gurevich·J N Joyce
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Abstract

Previous studies have suggested a disturbance in the cortical serotonergic (5-HT) system in schizophrenia; however, these studies have been confounded by suicide in the patients groups, which in itself is associated with alterations in the 5-HT system. In this study we characterized various components of the 5-HT system in 14 areas of the frontal and parietal cortex in tissue obtained at postmortem from aged chronically hospitalized nonsuicidal schizophrenics compared to age-matched controls. We found no differences between control and schizophrenic subjects in the density of 5-HT uptake sites or other markers of 5-HT innervation. In Brodmann areas 24 and 6 the concentration of 5-HT2A,C receptors was decreased in all schizophrenics regardless of their antipsychotic treatment history. In all other areas examined 5-HT2A,C receptor concentrations were dramatically decreased in schizophrenics patients on drugs at time of death, whereas those off drugs at death showed the same values as control subjects. The density of 5-HT1A receptors was increased in areas 24, 9a (caudal part of area 9), 44, and 6 in subjects with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic treatment did not appear to have a significant effect. Thus, the specific pattern of alterations in the 5-HT system in schizophrenia may depend on the patient population and on antemortem antipsychotic treatment. These data also provide evidence that regulation of the 5-HT2 receptor may be involved in antipsychotic action.

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AgedAged, 80 and overAntipsychotic AgentsAutopsyAutoradiographyBrain ChemistryCerebral CortexFemaleHumansImmunohistochemistryMaleMiddle AgedPrefrontal CortexRadioligand AssayReceptors, Dopamine D2Receptors, Dopamine D3Receptors, SerotoninSchizophreniaSerotoninJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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BibTeXRIS

E V Gurevich, J N Joyce. 1997-10-01. Alterations in the cortical serotonergic system in schizophrenia: a postmortem study.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(97)00321-1

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