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Potential Schizophrenia 'Switch' Found

Accepted submission by Phoenix666 at 2016-09-20 13:56:38
Science

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a key mechanism that explains how compounds they're developing can suppress schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice without side effects [sciencedaily.com].

On the basis of this discovery, reported this month in the journal Neuron, "we now have much stronger understanding of the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of compounds that are advancing to clinical development," said P. Jeffrey Conn, Ph.D., director of the Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery.

An estimated 3 million Americans have schizophrenia, which is associated with excessive amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine in a part of the forebrain called the striatum.

Current medications reduce hallucinations and delusions, the hallmark of schizophrenia, by blocking dopamine receptors. But because they also block dopamine receptors in the cerebral cortex, they can worsen cognitive difficulties.

Good news for suffering bankers, politicians, and CEOs everywhere.


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