Increase in Serotonin-1A Autoreceptors in the Midbrain of Suicide Victims With Major Depression – Postmortem Evidence for Decreased Serotonin Activity

This study determined whether the binding of 3H8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl)aminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT), an agonist for serotonin-1A receptors, is altered in the midbrain of suicide victims with major depression. Binding of 3H8-OH-DPAT to serotonin-1A receptors was increased significantly in the midbrain dorsal raphe of suicide victims as compared to controls. This study suggests that diminished activity of serotonin neurons occurs in suicide victims with major depression. (53 refs.)