title: Biophysical shunt theory for neuropsychopathology: Part I.
abstract: We present a new model of the origin of schizophrenia based on biophysical ionic shunts in neuronal (electrical) pathways. Microstructural and molecular evidence is presented for the way in which changes in the neuronal membrane ionic channels may facilitate membrane property rearrangement, leading to a change in the density and composition of the ion channel charge which in turn causes a change in ionic flow orientation and distribution. We suggest that, under abnormal conditions, ionic flow shunts are created which redirect the biophysical collateral neuronal (electrical) pathways, resulting in psychiatric signs and symptoms. This model is complementary to the biological basis of schizophrenia.
authors: Sha'ar Menashe Medical Center for Mental Health, Hefer, Israel.
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Naisberg
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Avnon
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Weizman
mesh_terms: D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D017136:Ion Transport; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels