Possible mechanisms of neurodegeneration in schizophrenia.
Brain morphological alterations in schizophrenic patients have led to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. On the other hand, a progressive neurodegenerative process has also been suggested and some follow-up studies have shown progressive morphological changes in schizophrenic patients. Several neurotransmitter systems have been suggested to be involved in this disorder and some of them could lead to neuronal death under certain conditions. This review discusses some of the biochemical pathways that could lead to neurodegeneration in schizophrenia showing that neuronal death may have a role in the etiology or natural course of this disorder.
Pérez-Neri
Iván
I
Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Insurgentes Sur 3877 Col. La Fama. Tlalpan, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
Ramírez-Bermúdez
Jesús
J
Montes
Sergio
S
Ríos
Camilo
C
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D004298:Dopamine