We have measured beta-adrenoceptor binding in pineal glands obtained a
t post mortem from suicides with a firm retrospective diagnosis of dep
ression, and from age and gender-matched controls. In both antidepress
ant-free and antidepressant-treated suicides there were no significant
differences in the number or affinity of beta-adrenoceptors compared
to controls. Within the total group of subjects we found no variation
in beta-adrenoceptor binding in relation to time of death or season of
death. There was a significant negative correlation between the numbe
r of beta-adrenoceptors and age in controls, but not in suicides. Thes
e results suggest that pineal beta-adrenoceptors are not altered eithe
r in depression or as a result of antidepressant treatment.