Schizophrenia neurotransmitter changes

Lastly, studies on the different polymorphic forms of the synapsins, that organize the mobilization of neurotransmitter vesicles thereby regulating neurotransmitter release, could account for some of the subtle changes in neurotransmission that occur in schizophrenia. However, to date linkage analysis studies have failed to reveal any positive associations between the various polymorphisms of the synapsin gene and schizophrenia. 

Although the role of neurotransmitter dysfunction in schizophrenia remains an exciting and important avenue of exploration, we are only aware of one study of neurotransmitters in COS. Jacobsen and colleagues (1997a) measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of HVA and 5-HIAA, metabolites of dopamine and serotonin, respectively. While the concentrations of these monoamine metabolites were similar to that seen in adults with schizophrenia, they did not change significantly with treatment. 

Schulz, E., Fleischhaker, C., and Remschmidt, H. (1996) Correlated changes in symptoms and neurotransmitter indices during maintenance treatment with clozapine or conventional neuroleptics in adolescence and young adulthood schizophrenia. / Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 6 119-131. 

Schizophrenia is currently viewed as a complex, at least in part neurodevelomental disorder of unknown etiology. A number of structural changes in schizophrenic brains have been described, and changes in dopaminergic functions are associated with many other neurotransmitter and receptor changes54 60 7. Reduced of histamine H, receptor binding in... 

Because of their critical role in neurotransmitter release, SNARE proteins represent a potential molecular substrate for synaptic dysfunction or misconnectivity. Accordingly, a number of postmortem studies have reported changes in the level of expression for SNARE proteins in schizophrenia. 

In addition, some researchers believe that involvement of the neurochemical dopamine alone is not comprehensive enough to explain the complex changes that occur in schizophrenia. Although dopamine does seem to be directly involved in the positive symptoms of the condition, it appears to have little effect on the negative symptoms of the disease (Carpenter, Conley, Buchanan, 1998). Other neurotransmitters such as serotonin also need to be taken into account when dealing with schizophrenia (Karper Krystal, 1996). 

Positron emission tomography (PET) is another imaging technique that employs radioactive tracers to image brain activity. PET can detect and map the presence of glucose, neurotransmitters, and a dozen other chemicals critical to brain function. Subtle changes in brain structure or function that correlate to diseases have been used to distinguish brain chemistry changes associated with Alzheimer s disease, schizophrenia, alcoholism, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder. PET can also be used to detect emotional responses and perceptions of emotion. 

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