Regionally specific changes in levels of cortical S100β in bipolar 1 disorder but not schizophrenia

Objective: To determine if levels of the glial-derived proteins S100 beta and glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) and the pro- and antiapoptotic proteins p53 and Bcl-2 were altered in the cortex of subjects with schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder. Method: Levels of S100 beta, GFAP, p53 and Bcl-2 were measured in cortex (Brodmann's Areas (BAs) 9, 10, 46 and 40) of control subjects and subjects with schizophrenia, bipolar 1 disorder and in the cortex of rats treated with haloperidol or lithium using protein-specific antibodies and western blot analysis. Results: Levels of S100 beta were decreased in BA 9 and increased in BA 40 from subjects with bipolar 1 disorder. Levels of this protein were not altered in other CNS regions, in schizophrenia or in the cortex of rats treated with haloperidol or lithium. No changes in levels of the other three proteins were detected across diagnoses. Conclusions: Regionally selective changes in cortical S100 beta may be associated with the pathology of bipolar 1 disorder and may reflect derangements in neuronal death or survival.