Year: 2004 Source: Neuropsychobiology, v.49, no.4, (2004), p.189-195 SIEC No: 20070579

Serotonin 5-HT2A & 5-HT4 binding parameters & their second messengers 1,4,5-inositol triphosphate & cyclic adenosyl monophosphate were studied in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, caudate nucleus & amygdala of 19 control subjects & 19 antidepressant-free, violent suicide victims. A significantly higher number of 5-HT4 receptors & higher second messenger cAMP concentrations were found in the frontal cortex & caudate nucleus of the depressed suicide victims. Results suggest further studies on suicidality & depression should focus on the functionality of the caudate nucleus. (43 refs.)