Suicide Cells
Researchers find that people have have committed suicide have more of a particular kind of neuron -call von Economo neurons- which are believed to be an import cell for social emotions, maybe even empathy and guilt.
These cells bear receptors for neurotransmitters that help to regulate emotion, such as dopamine, serotonin and vasopressin. Because they are found in highly gregarious animals such as whales, elephants and apes—with humans possessing the highest densities—scientists believe they might specifically deal with complex social emotions such as shame. (via)
The density of VENs (von Economo neurons) was significantly greater in the ACC of suicide victims with psychotic disorders compared with psychotic individuals who died from other causes. This effect was restricted to the right ACC. VEN density in the ACC seems to be increased in suicide victims with psychosis. This finding may support the assumption that VEN have a special role in emotion processing and self-evaluation, including negative self-appraisal.
My research now is about the lack of empathy relating to cruelty to others and what neural correlates are involved -so I have to wonder to what degree would a significant absence of these von Economo neurons explain the low levels of empathy in psychopaths, sociopaths, narcissists, and people with borderline personality disorder?
