Project Summary

Allan Hunter Young, M.D., Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2000) of University of Newcastle, will examine brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in postmortem brains of patients with depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. It has long been noted that smoking is very common in individuals with schizophrenia and depression. This study will attempt to determine whether the apparent need or desire to smoke is reflected in changes in the nACh receptors. Dr. Young will compare the nAChRs between these three groups of patients and unaffected matched control subjects. The results of these studies should identify the involvement of nACHRs in these disorders, including their modulatory role in other neurotransmitter pathways, such as dopamine and serotonin.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Schizophrenia/Unipolar/Bipolar

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