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Calcium-Activated Potassium Conductance

An Alternative to the Dopamine Hypothesis of Neuroleptic Action?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Timothy G. Dinan
Timothy G. Dinan*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, & Batholomew's Hospital Medical College, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE
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Extract

Neuroleptics are structurally a heterogenous group of compounds which possess antipsychotic activity. They increase dopamine metabolites by blocking dopamine receptors and enhancing presynaptic turnover. This forms the cornerstone of the dopamine hypothesis of neuroleptic action, which is supported by wide-ranging behavioural, physiological and biochemical studies. It is, however, clear that neuroleptics are far less specific for the dopamine receptor than was previously considered. They influence a range of neuronal activities, including calcium-activated potassium conductance, which governs the rate of action potential generation by many neurones. Recent physiological studies indicate that all commonly used neuroleptics alter calcium-activated potassium conductance in central neurones, in concentrations similar to those achieved clinically. An adaptive increase in calcium-activated potassium conductance mechanisms in key sensory processing neurones would render the psychotic patient less susceptible to bombardment by environmental stimuli. This action may explain in part the therapeutic effect of neuroleptics.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 151 , Issue 4 , October 1987 , pp. 455 - 459
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1987 

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