Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Binding Kinetics in the Cortex of Suicide Victims are Normal

The authors report the first study of serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in the brain of suicide victims. There were no differences in the number (Bmax) or affinity (Kd) of 5-HT3 receptors in the temporal cortex of suicide victims compared to matched controls. There was a negative correlation between brain serotonin levels & receptor number in both groups. This study indicates that alterations in serotonergic function in the brain of suicide victims do not appear to directly involve the 5-HT3 receptor. (20 refs.) JA