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A glutamatergic deficiency model of schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

A. Carlsson ,
L. O. Hansson ,
N. Waters  and
M. L. Carlsson
A. Carlsson*
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, University of Goteborg, Sweden
L. O. Hansson
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, University of Goteborg, Sweden
N. Waters
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, University of Goteborg, Sweden
M. L. Carlsson
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, University of Goteborg, Sweden
*
Correspondence: Dr A. Carlsson, Department of Pharmacology, University of Göteborg, Box 431, 40530 Goteborg, Sweden
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Abstract

Although the presence of hyperdopaminergia has been demonstrated in the brains of people with schizophrenia, at least in some circumstances, other neurotransmitters are important in this disorder, and a glutamatergic deficiency model of schizophrenia is proposed. It is suggested that the amount of sensory input allowed to reach the cerebral cortex is restricted by an inhibitory effect of the striatal complexes on the thalamus, thereby protecting it from being overwhelmed. Several strands of evidence are presented to support the concept that a weakened glutamatergic tone increases the risk of sensory overload and of exaggerated responses in the monoaminergic systems that could result in psychosis.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 174 , Issue S37: Focus on schizophrenia , February 1999 , pp. 2 - 6
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1999 

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