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Neuropeptide Y in frontal cortex is not altered in major depression
G A Ordway1, C A Stockmeier, H Y Meltzer
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Neuropeptide Y levels in the brain were not significantly different between suicide victims with major depression or alcohol dependence and control subjects. These findings suggest neuropeptide Y does not play a key role in major depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Previous research indicated reduced neuropeptide Y (NPY) in suicide victims' frontal cortices.
- This reduction was more pronounced in suicides with a history of depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate NPY concentrations in the frontal cortex of suicide victims with diagnosed major depression or alcohol dependence.
- To clarify the potential role of NPY in major depression and alcohol dependence.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of NPY concentrations in frontal cortical tissue.
- Comparison between control subjects, suicide victims with major depression, and suicide victims with alcohol dependence.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in NPY concentrations were found between control subjects and suicide victims with major depression.
- No significant differences in NPY concentrations were observed between control subjects and suicide victims with alcohol dependence.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support a significant role for neuropeptide Y in the pathophysiology of major depression.
- NPY levels do not appear to be altered in suicide victims with major depression or alcohol dependence.
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