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5-HT2C Receptors and Suicidal Behavior

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5-HT2C Receptors in the Pathophysiology of CNS Disease

Part of the book series: The Receptors ((REC,volume 22))

Abstract

As a serious public health problem worldwide, suicide and related behaviors have merited a large body of research investigating their underlying biology. A number of studies suggest that a genetic component that is partly independent from the familial transmission of major psychiatric disorders may be involved in these behaviors. The serotoninergic system has been the neurotransmitter system most closely associated with the neurobiology of suicidal behavior. In particular, a number of studies have focused on the serotonin-2C (5-HT2C) receptor in relation to suicidality. Studies involving mRNA editing as well as postmortem studies on brain tissues of patients with schizophrenia and major depression have shown promise in this area. Site-specific changes in the editing of the mRNA HTR2C and different 5-HT2C receptor isoforms have been found in association with completed suicide.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. De Luca has been supported by a NARSAD Young Investigator Award and an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Pilot Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Vincenzo De Luca

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  1. Fabio Panariello
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  2. Naima Javaid
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  3. Vincenzo De Luca
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Correspondence to Vincenzo De Luca .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Physiology and Biochemistr, University of Malta, Msida, Malta, MSD 2080, Italy

    Giuseppe Di Giovanni

  2. Centro di Ricerche Farmacologiche e, Biomediche, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale 8, Santa Maria Imbaro, 66030, Chieti, Italy

    Ennio Esposito

  3. Centro di Ricerche Farmacologiche e, Biomediche, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale 8, Santa Maria Imbaro, 66030, Chieti, Italy

    Vincenzo Di Matteo

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Panariello, F., Javaid, N., De Luca, V. (2011). 5-HT2C Receptors and Suicidal Behavior. In: Di Giovanni, G., Esposito, E., Di Matteo, V. (eds) 5-HT2C Receptors in the Pathophysiology of CNS Disease. The Receptors, vol 22. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-941-3_13

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