AN INCREASE IN [H-3] CGS21680 BINDING IN THE STRIATUM OF POSTMORTEM BRAINS OF CHRONIC-SCHIZOPHRENICS

We measured adenosine 2a receptors in basal ganglia of 13 schizophreni cs and 10 controls, using [H-3] CGS21680 as a ligand for the receptor binding assay. There was a significant increase in the specific [H-3] CGS21680 binding in the putamen and caudate, but not in the globus pal lidus of externa, of the schizophrenic patients, compared to those of controls. These results provide evidence suggesting that adenosine 2a receptors play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. (C) 199 8 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.