Ubiquitination as a probe for neurodegeneration in the brain in schizophrenia: the prefrontal cortex

Abnormalities in brain structure and brain function have been described in schizophrenia. It is not yet known whether these are caused by an abnormality of brain development, some form of birth injury, or a neurodegenerative process. Using immunocytochemical methods and a marker for neurodegeneration (ubiquitin), we examined an area of prefrontal cortex from elderly schizophrenic and control subjects for the presence of ubiquitin-positive degeneration products. There was no statistical difference in the degree of ubiquitination between the control and the patient samples. The findings provide no evidence to support a neurodegenerative process.