Dysregulation in the Suicide Brain: mRNA Expression of Corticotropin-releasing Hormone Receptors and GABA Receptor Subunits in Frontal Cortical Brain Region

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and GABA have been connected with depression. The levels of CRH & mRNA for CRH-binding protein were determined in several frontal cortical brain regions of depressed suicide victims & non-depressed individuals who had not died by suicide. CRH levels were elevated in frontopolar & dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, but not in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex of people who died by suicide. The findings raise the possibility that the CRH & GABA receptor subunit changes contribute to depression &/or suicidality. (LC) (64 refs)