Agonist Binding to Alpha2-Adrenoceptors is Elevated in the Locus Coeruleus From Victims of Suicide

In the study reported in this article, the binding of an agonist, p-125liodoclonidine, & an antagonist, 3Hyohimbine, to alpha2-adrenoceptors was measured autoradiographically in the locus coeruleus (LC) from 10 pairs of antidepressant-free suicide victims & age-matched controls. Whereas agonist binding to alpha2-adrenoceptors was significantly greater in the LC from suicide victims compared with controls, antagonist binding did not differ significantly in the 2 groups. (65 Refs.)