Alterations of serotonin transmission in schizophrenia.
A role for serotonin alterations in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has long been suspected because of the psychotogenic effects of serotonergic agonists and the therapeutic effects of 5-HT(2) antagonism. This chapter is a review of the evidence derived from pharmacological studies, postmortem, and imaging studies that have assessed the role of serotonin transmission in schizophrenia. While a clear picture of specific serotonergic alterations in schizophrenia has not emerged despite much research, this review reinforces a modulatory role of serotonergic agents on dopamine transmission in schizophrenia, which may contribute to the therapeutic effects of atypical antipsychotics.
Abi-Dargham
Anissa
A
Department of Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York 10032, USA.
D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006213:Hallucinogens; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin