[A role for antipsychotic agents in the membrane hypothesis of schizophrenia?].
BACKGROUND
Our picture of the neuronal pathology in schizophrenia remains fragmented. Many hypotheses emphasize neurotransmitter receptor dysfunction in the development of this condition. Additionally, receptors dominate most research on drug therapy in schizophrenia. The so-called membrane hypothesis focuses on the role of the neuronal cell membrane in the pathogenesis.


METHODS
On the basis of literature studies, we briefly introduce the membrane hypothesis of schizophrenia. We then go on to present results from our own research group, which focuses on interactions between antipsychotic agents and cell membranes as opposed to drug-receptor interactions.


CONCLUSIONS
The membrane hypothesis offers an integral model for the neuropathology of schizophrenia. However, because of the relatively small number of scientific investigations based on the theory, it comes across as weakly documented. Our experiments, conducted on model membranes and living cells, point in the direction of direct drug-membrane interactions and thus the ability of drugs to influence membrane-related enzymes without the involvement of a neurotransmitter receptor. These results may contribute to an increased understanding of both the neuropathology in schizophrenia and the mechanisms of action of antipsychotic agents.
Skrede
Silje
S
Institutt for biokjemi og molekylaerbiologi, Bergen. silje.skrede@student.uib.no
Holmsen
Holm
H
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000378:metabolism; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000378:metabolism; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000378:metabolism; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D010741:Phospholipases A