Brain Tissue Collection for Neuropathological Studies

The knowledge of how affected tissue deviates from normal control tissue is an integral part
of fully understanding a neurological or psychiatric disorder. The purpose of this protocol
is to establish a coordinating program with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in
Washington, DC, the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Central District, and
Virginia the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Northern District for the donation of
brain tissue.

Dissected brain tissue from selected brain regions, including but not limited to the
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampal formation, will be assembled from large
cohorts of normal controls and schizophrenic subjects. The expression of mRNA and protein for
selected molecules, chosen on the basis of their genetic association with schizophrenia, will
be measured with a variety of assays including but not limited to qPCR and Western blots.

Outcome measures are the statistical comparison within normal controls of mRNA and/or protein
levels in groups segmented by genotype. Similar comparisons will be made between
schizophrenic cohorts and normal controls, in a diagnosis by genotype analysis with an ANOVA,
or when appropriate an ANCOVA (controlling for variables such as age, race, gender, and
postmortem interval).

- INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Brain tissue is needed from individuals suffering from a variety of neuropsychiatric
disorders, especially schizophrenia, but also anxiety disorders, suicide, bipolar disorder,
depression, Tourette's Syndrome, drug addictions (PCP, cocaine, alcohol, heroin or the
like) and any form of dementia. In addition, brains from normal individuals without a
history of neuropsychiatric disease will be needed for controls.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

No living subjects are enrolled in this protocol. Tissue is obtained after death, with the
permission of next of kin, or from existing institutions with appropriate samples via an
MTA or other applicable agreement.

Brain tissue is excluded from collection if there is a previously known history of strokes,
lesions, or other major neuropathological abnormalities prior to the consenting process.