Synaptic and Plasticity-Associated Proteins in Anterior Frontal Cortex in Severe Mental Illness

Markers of synapses, plasticity & oligodendrocytes were investigated in anterior frontal cortex homogenates from individuals with schizophrenia & depression. Synaptophysin immunoreactivity was reduced in schizophrenics who died of natural causes relative to controls. Myelin basic protein immunoreactivity was decreased in both schizophrenics & depressed individuals who died by suicide. A slight increase in immunoreactivity in depressed suicides relative to controls was observed. (56 refs.)