title: Pitfalls in membrane binding sites studies in post-mortem human brain.
abstract: A number of neurotransmitter receptor sites have been characterized biochemically in post-mortem human brain from normal subjects and in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. Such studies are valid, however, only when appropriate pre-mortem and post-mortem conditions are controlled. The effects of age, pre-mortem agonic conditions, drug therapy and post-mortem delay on the characteristics of five binding sites (alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta adrenergic receptors, 5HT-2 serotoninergic receptors, imipramine binding sites) were studied. Age related changes in receptor number were found. Pre-mortem anoxia and hypovolemia had no influence on receptor characteristics. The drugs administered before death, in particular neuroleptics, were found to affect binding to some receptors in post-mortem tissue. A post-mortem delay up to 24 hours after death had no effect on binding sites. Experimental strategies (single point values or saturation curves) were also compared.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D051381:Rats; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000032:analysis* / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter