Overexpression of serotonin receptor and transporter mRNA in blood leukocytes of antipsychotic-free and antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenic patients: Gender differences

Abstract Background Abnormal serotonin (5-HT) activity has been implicated in schizophrenia. However, the role of 5-HT receptors and transporter (5-HTT) in male and female schizophrenia remains largely unknown. Recent studies suggest that 5-HT system expressed in the peripheral leukocyte could be a marker of the illness. Methods 46 acute schizophrenic patients ( male=35, female=11 ) that were antipsychotic-naive or antipsychotic-free for at least three months ( average=27.3 months ) and 44 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (male=24, female=20) were included for blood leukocytes expression of 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 7 receptor and 5-HTT mRNA, using real-time PCR technique. Results ANOVA analysis showed a significant increase of 5HT 2A mRNA and 5-HTT mRNA (each > 2-fold, P 1A mRNA ( P 7 mRNA ( P 1A and 5-HT 7 mRNA expression (P 1A mRNA expression (P Conclusions The present findings showed an abnormal expression of leukocyte 5-HT system in antipsychotic-free and antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia especially in the male patients. Because of the greater accumulative dose of antipsychotics in the relatively smaller number of the female patients of the study, further study is needed to confirm the present findings. If replicated, blood serotonergic markers could add to the diagnosis and individualized pharmacotherapy of schizophrenic patients, especially the male patients.