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5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors, major depression, and suicidal behavior
William Pitchot1, Michel Hansenne, Emmanuel Pinto
1Psychiatric Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium. wpitchot@chu.ulg.ac.be
Biological Psychiatry
|September 6, 2005
Summary
Suicide attempts in major depression are linked to lower serotonin 5-HT1A receptor activity, indicated by reduced hormonal and temperature responses. This suggests a specific role for 5-HT1A receptors in suicidal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) hypoactivity is associated with suicidal behavior.
- The specific role of 5-HT1A receptors in suicidality requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of 5-HT1A receptors in the neurobiology of suicidal behavior.
- To test the hypothesis that 5-HT1A receptor function is altered in individuals with a history of suicide attempts.
Main Methods:
- Assessed hormonal (ACTH, cortisol, prolactin) and temperature responses to flesinoxan, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist.
- Studied 40 inpatients with major depression (20 suicide attempters, 20 nonattempters) and 20 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Suicide attempters showed significantly lower prolactin, cortisol, and temperature responses compared to nonattempters.
- Suicide attempters also exhibited decreased responses compared to normal control subjects.
- No significant differences were found between depressed patients without suicide attempts and controls.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the involvement of serotonin, specifically 5-HT1A receptors, in the biological underpinnings of suicidal behavior in major depression.