Serotonin2 receptor binding in blood platelets of schizophrenic patients

Platelet serotonin2 (5-HT2) binding was determined in 47 neuroleptic-free schizophrenic patients and 42 normal control subjects. Although the maximum number of 5-HT2 binding sites (B(max)) was significantly higher in the blood platelets of schizophrenic patients than in those of the normal control subjects, the difference disappeared after correction for age and sex effects. However, the B(max) of schizophrenic patients who had made suicide attempts was significantly greater than that of schizophrenic patients who had not, as well as that of normal controls. There was no difference in K(d) between the schizophrenic patients and control subjects, and no relation between K(d) and suicide attempts. The importance of serotonin in schizophrenia and suicide attempts is discussed.