Adenylyl Cyclase Activity and G-Protein Subunit Levels in Postmortem Frontal Cortex of Suicide Victims

Basal, G-protein-stimulated & forskolin-stimulated enzyme activities were compared in postmortem frontal cortex from 18 suicides & 22 matched controls. The authors believe this is the 1st investigation of these activities. Some effects were significantly lower in suicides, particularly in cases of violent death or history of depression. Study results support the hypothesis that suicidal behavior & depressive illness may be associated with an altered regulation of adrenlyl cyclase. (39 refs.)