Platelet Serotonin-2A Receptors: a Potential Biological Marker for Suicidal Behavior

This article reports on a study of the role of 5-HT2A receptors in platelets of suicidal & nonsuicidal patients & normal comparison subjects. Conclusions: The observed higher number of platelet 5-HT2A receptors in suicidal patients is independent of diagnosis & appears to be associated with both the brain & the platelets of suicidal patients. Results suggest the potential usefulness of platelet 5-HT2A receptors as a biological marker for identifying suicide-prone patients. (34 Refs.)