Postmortem neurochemistry in schizophrenia

The renaissance in postmortem studies in schizophrenia is in full bloom. Although there is no shortage of findings, there have been significant problems with replications and interpretations. Regardless, the postmortem approach remains a valid and promising one. Thus far, it has allowed for the testing of a number of hypotheses involving catecholamines, indoleamines, and neuropeptides in schizophrenia. It is hoped that new approaches, such as autoradiography and automated cell counting, will add new dimensions to postmortem studies of schizophrenia. If these studies can be coupled with premortem exams of patients, perhaps new inroads can be made in the understanding and treatment of the schizophrenic syndrome.