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Viglione A, Mazziotti R, Pizzorusso T. From pupil to the brain: New insights for studying cortical plasticity through pupillometry. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1151847. [PMID: 37063384 PMCID: PMC10102476 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1151847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pupil size variations have been associated with changes in brain activity patterns related with specific cognitive factors, such as arousal, attention, and mental effort. The locus coeruleus (LC), a key hub in the noradrenergic system of the brain, is considered to be a key regulator of cognitive control on pupil size, with changes in pupil diameter corresponding to the release of norepinephrine (NE). Advances in eye-tracking technology and open-source software have facilitated accurate pupil size measurement in various experimental settings, leading to increased interest in using pupillometry to track the nervous system activation state and as a potential biomarker for brain disorders. This review explores pupillometry as a non-invasive and fully translational tool for studying cortical plasticity starting from recent literature suggesting that pupillometry could be a promising technique for estimating the degree of residual plasticity in human subjects. Given that NE is known to be a critical mediator of cortical plasticity and arousal, the review includes data revealing the importance of the LC-NE system in modulating brain plasticity and pupil size. Finally, we will review data suggesting that pupillometry could provide a quantitative and complementary measure of cortical plasticity also in pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Viglione
- BIO@SNS Lab, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Aurelia Viglione,
| | | | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- BIO@SNS Lab, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
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2
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Kreis I, Zhang L, Moritz S, Pfuhl G. Spared performance but increased uncertainty in schizophrenia: Evidence from a probabilistic decision-making task. Schizophr Res 2022; 243:414-423. [PMID: 34272122 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant attribution of salience to in fact little informative events might explain the emergence of positive symptoms in schizophrenia and has been linked to belief uncertainty. Uncertainty is thought to be encoded by neuromodulators, including norepinephrine. However, norepinephrinergic encoding of uncertainty, measured as task-related pupil dilation, has rarely been explored in schizophrenia. Here, we addressed this question by comparing individuals with a disorder from the schizophrenia spectrum to a non-psychiatric control group on behavioral and pupillometric measures in a probabilistic prediction task, where different levels of uncertainty were introduced. Behaviorally, patients performed similar to controls, but their belief uncertainty was higher, particularly when instability of the task environment was high, suggesting an increased sensitivity to this instability. Furthermore, while pupil dilation scaled positively with uncertainty, this was less the case for patients, suggesting aberrant neuromodulatory regulation of neural gain, which may hinder the reduction of uncertainty in the long run. Together, the findings point to abnormal uncertainty processing and norepinephrinergic signaling in schizophrenia, potentially informing future development of both psychopharmacological therapies and psychotherapeutic approaches that deal with the processing of uncertain information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Kreis
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerit Pfuhl
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Wu XL, Yan QJ, Zhu F. Abnormal synaptic plasticity and impaired cognition in schizophrenia. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:541-557. [PMID: 35582335 PMCID: PMC9048451 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i4.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental illness that affects several brain domains with relation to cognition and behaviour. SCZ symptoms are typically classified into three categories, namely, positive, negative, and cognitive. The etiology of SCZ is thought to be multifactorial and poorly understood. Accumulating evidence has indicated abnormal synaptic plasticity and cognitive impairments in SCZ. Synaptic plasticity is thought to be induced at appropriate synapses during memory formation and has a critical role in the cognitive symptoms of SCZ. Many factors, including synaptic structure changes, aberrant expression of plasticity-related genes, and abnormal synaptic transmission, may influence synaptic plasticity and play vital roles in SCZ. In this article, we briefly summarize the morphology of the synapse, the neurobiology of synaptic plasticity, and the role of synaptic plasticity, and review potential mechanisms underlying abnormal synaptic plasticity in SCZ. These abnormalities involve dendritic spines, postsynaptic density, and long-term potentiation-like plasticity. We also focus on cognitive dysfunction, which reflects impaired connectivity in SCZ. Additionally, the potential targets for the treatment of SCZ are discussed in this article. Therefore, understanding abnormal synaptic plasticity and impaired cognition in SCZ has an essential role in drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Lin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiu-Jin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
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Savransky A, Chiappelli J, Du X, Carino K, Kvarta M, Bruce H, Kochunov P, Goldwaser E, Tan Y, Hare S, Hong LE. Association of working memory and elevated overnight urinary norepinephrine in patients with schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:89-95. [PMID: 33662656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Norepinephrine has both central and peripheral origins and is known to influence cognitive processes in attention, learning, and working memory, but the research regarding the impact of norepinephrine on cognition in schizophrenia remains sparse, and mainly focuses on centrally regulated noradrenergic effects. This study examined the relationship between cumulative overnight norepinephrine levels in the urine and working memory in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. METHODS Urinary catecholamines were collected overnight in patients with schizophrenia (n = 75) and healthy controls (n = 33). Working memory was assessed using the digit sequencing task. RESULTS Patients showed significantly higher average levels of overnight norepinephrine (t(103.10) = -3.16, p = 0.002) and reduced working memory performance (t(90) = 3.87, p = 0.001) compared with healthy individuals. There was a significant negative correlation between norepinephrine and working memory in patients (r = -0.38, p = 0.005), but not in controls (r = 0.08, p = 0.67). After controlling for age, sex, antipsychotic medications, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor-based antidepressants, the correlation remained significant (r = -0.41, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS High peripheral overnight levels of urinary norepinephrine are associated with lower working memory performance in patients with schizophrenia. These results parallel previous studies suggesting that high levels of central norepinephrine may result in working memory impairments. As norepinephrine rapidly breaks down and usually does not pass through the blood-brain barrier, the potential effect of peripheral cumulative norepinephrine on working memory is intriguing, and needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Savransky
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua Chiappelli
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoming Du
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen Carino
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Kvarta
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather Bruce
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter Kochunov
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Goldwaser
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, PR China
| | - Stephanie Hare
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - L Elliot Hong
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Kim SY, Kim HN, Jeon SW, Lim WJ, Kim SI, Lee YJ, Kim SY, Kim YK. Association between genetic variants of the norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) and bipolar I disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 107:110227. [PMID: 33340618 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the associations between genetic variants of the norepinephrine transporter gene (NET, also known as SLC6A2) and diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. In addition, we examined the relationship between the genetic variants and manic and psychotic symptoms in patients with bipolar I disorder. The three SNPs rs28386840, rs2242446, and rs5569 were genotyped in 326 patients: patients with bipolar I disorder (n = 160) and a control group (n = 166). Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age and sex was conducted to identify independent influences of the SNPs on diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. A possible association between manic and psychotic symptoms and variants of SLC6A2 was also investigated in patients with bipolar I disorder. The rs28836840 SNP in the 5'-UTR of SLC6A2 was significantly associated with bipolar I disorder and with severity of manic and psychotic symptoms in this disorder. Individuals carrying a T allele in the rs28836840 SNP were likely to have a lower risk of bipolar I disorder or lower severity of manic and psychotic symptoms in patients with bipolar I disorder (bipolar I disorder diagnosis: OR = 0.643, 95% Cl = 0.468-0.883, p = 0.006; manic symptoms: β = -2.457, 95% Cl = -4.674 ~ -0.239, p = 0.031; psychotic symptoms: β = -2.501, 95% Cl = -4.700 ~ -0.301, p = 0.027). For the rs2242446 and rs5569 SNPs, there were no significant differences between patients with bipolar I disorder and those without. Our results revealed associations of the rs28386840 SNP with bipolar I disorder diagnosis and with severity of manic and psychotic symptoms. However, the findings reported here require replication in larger samples and various ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Young Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Na Kim
- Medical Research Institute, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Won Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Weon-Jeong Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo In Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Jung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Young Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Republic of Korea.
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Mäki-Marttunen V, Andreassen OA, Espeseth T. The role of norepinephrine in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:298-314. [PMID: 32768486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence have suggested for decades a role for norepinephrine (NE) in the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. Recent experimental findings reveal anatomical and physiological properties of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system and its involvement in brain function and cognition. Here, we integrate these two lines of evidence. First, we review the functional and structural properties of the LC-NE system and its impact on functional brain networks, cognition, and stress, with special emphasis on recent experimental and theoretical advances. Subsequently, we present an update about the role of LC-associated functions for the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, focusing on the cognitive and motivational deficits. We propose that schizophrenia phenomenology, in particular cognitive symptoms, may be explained by an abnormal interaction between genetic susceptibility and stress-initiated LC-NE dysfunction. This in turn, leads to imbalance between LC activity modes, dysfunctional regulation of brain network integration and neural gain, and deficits in cognitive functions. Finally, we suggest how recent development of experimental approaches can be used to characterize LC function in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- CoE NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Building 49, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Espeseth
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Postboks 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway; Bjørknes College, Lovisenberggata 13, 0456 Oslo, Norway
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7
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Miller CWT, Hodzic V, Weintraub E. Current Understanding of the Neurobiology of Agitation. West J Emerg Med 2020; 21:841-848. [PMID: 32726254 PMCID: PMC7390566 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2020.4.45779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Managing agitation in the clinical setting is a challenge that many practitioners face regularly. Our evolving understanding of the etiological factors involved in aggressive acts has better informed our interventions through pharmacologic and behavioral strategies. This paper reviews the literature on the neurobiological underpinnings of aggressive behaviors, linking psychopathology with proposed mechanisms of action of psychiatric medications shown to be effective in mitigating agitation. Methods We performed a review of the extant literature using PubMed as a primary database. Investigation focused on neurobiology of agitation and its relation to the current evidence base for particular interventions. Results There are well-established pathways that can lead to increased autonomic response and the potential for violence. Psychopathology and substance-induced perceptual distortions may lead to magnification and overestimation of environmental threat, heightening the potential for aggression. Additional challenges have arisen with the advent of several novel drugs of abuse, many of which lead to atypical clinical presentations and which can elude standard drug screens. Our interventions still lean on the evidence base found in Project BETA (Best Practices in Evaluation and Treatment of Agitation). Although not a new drug and not included in the Project BETA guidelines, ketamine and its use are also discussed, given its unique pharmacology and potential benefits when other protocoled interventions have failed. Conclusion Aggression can occur due to manifold reasons in the clinical setting. Having an informed understanding of the possible determinants of agitation can help with more tailored responses to individual patients, limiting the unnecessary use of medications or of interventions that could be deemed forceful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W T Miller
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vedrana Hodzic
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eric Weintraub
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, Maryland
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Venkataramaiah C, Lakshmi Priya B, Rajendra W. Perturbations in the catecholamine metabolism and protective effect of "3-(3, 4-dimethoxy phenyl)-1-4(methoxy phenyl) prop-2-en-1-one" during ketamine-induced schizophrenia: an in vivo and in silico studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:3523-3532. [PMID: 32375600 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1765875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Different kinds of secondary metabolites present in the medicinal plants play an important role to alleviate different human ailments including neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy and schizophrenia etc. Recently we have isolated and characterized a novel bioactive compound viz. 3-(3,4-dimethoxy phenyl)-1-4(methoxy phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one from the methanolic extract of Celastrus paniculatus (CP) which has been widely used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The present investigation is mainly aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of the above bioactive compound against ketamine-induced schizophrenia with particular reference to catecholaminergic metabolism using in vivo and in silico methods. Ketamine-induced schizophrenia caused significant elevation in biogenic amines (epinephrine, nor epinephrine, dopamine and 5-HT) and monoamine oxidase activity levels which were restored to normal during the treatment with the bioactive compound akin to the reference compound, clozapine. In addition, the compound has shown highest binding score against all the biogenic amine receptors viz. D1, D2, D3, D4 and serotonin receptor, 5-HT2A with lowest inhibition constant values than the reference compound, clozapine. The present findings suggest that modulation of CNS monoamine neurotransmitter system might partly contribute to the impairments associated with schizophrenia and the plant compound alleviates the monoaminergic abnormalities associated with the neurological dysfunction.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chintha Venkataramaiah
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Zoology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Sri Venkateswara Vedic University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Bandila Lakshmi Priya
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Wudayagiri Rajendra
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Zoology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Setlaba NNC, Mosotho NL, Joubert G. Demographic, clinical and social characteristics of forensic patients diagnosed with schizophrenia at the Free State Psychiatric Complex, Bloemfontein, South Africa. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2020; 27:192-201. [PMID: 32944121 PMCID: PMC7476627 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2019.1618751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia, prevalent in forensic mental health settings, is chronic and devastating, with a generally unfavourable course and prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic, clinical and social characteristics of forensic patients diagnosed with schizophrenia at the Free State Psychiatric Complex. A data collection form was used to gather information from the clinical records of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015. The majority of the 110 participants were young male adults aged between 18 and 35 years with a low educational level. Cognitive impairment and positive symptoms were the most prominent clinical features. Aggressive and violent behaviour was notably prevalent. The majority of our sample had committed crimes against humans, while fewer had committed other types of crimes. It was concluded that causal factors included young adulthood, male gender, substance abuse, a poor social support system and lower educational level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gina Joubert
- Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Steen NE, Dieset I, Hope S, Vedal TSJ, Smeland OB, Matson W, Kaddurah-Daouk R, Agartz I, Melle I, Djurovic S, Jönsson EG, Bogdanov M, Andreassen OA. Metabolic dysfunctions in the kynurenine pathway, noradrenergic and purine metabolism in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Psychol Med 2020; 50:595-606. [PMID: 30867076 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed at exploring potential pathophysiological processes across psychotic disorders, applying metabolomics in a large and well-characterized sample of patients and healthy controls. METHODS Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders (N = 212) and healthy controls (N = 68) had blood sampling with subsequent metabolomics analyses using electrochemical coulometric array detection. Concentrations of 52 metabolites including tyrosine, tryptophan and purine pathways were compared between patients and controls while controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Significant findings were further tested in medication-free subsamples. RESULTS Significantly decreased plasma concentrations in patients compared to healthy controls were found for 3-hydroxykynurenine (3OHKY, p = 0.0008), xanthurenic acid (XANU, p = 1.5×10-5), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA, p = 4.5×10-5) and metanephrine (MN, p = 0.0001). Plasma concentration of xanthine (XAN) was increased in the patient group (p = 3.5×10-5). Differences of 3OHKY, XANU, VMA and XAN were replicated across schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorders subsamples of medication-free individuals. CONCLUSIONS Although prone to residual confounding, the present results suggest the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, noradrenergic and purinergic system dysfunction as trait factors in schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Of special interest is XANU, a metabolite previously not found to be associated with bipolar disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Eiel Steen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Dieset
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrun Hope
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neurohabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude S J Vedal
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav B Smeland
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093, USA
| | | | - Rima Kaddurah-Daouk
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Institute of Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik G Jönsson
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Adjuvant Therapy With β-Adrenergic Blockers in Psychiatry. Am J Ther 2020; 28:e697-e701. [PMID: 31939749 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Pro-cognitive effect of 1MeTIQ on recognition memory in the ketamine model of schizophrenia in rats: the behavioural and neurochemical effects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1577-1593. [PMID: 32076746 PMCID: PMC7239818 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Schizophrenia is a mental illness which is characterised by positive and negative symptoms and by cognitive impairments. While the major prevailing hypothesis is that altered dopaminergic and/or glutamatergic transmission contributes to this disease, there is evidence that the noradrenergic system also plays a role in its major symptoms. OBJECTIVES In the present paper, we investigated the pro-cognitive effect of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1MeTIQ) an endogenous neuroprotective compound, on ketamine-modelled schizophrenia in rats. METHODS We used an antagonist of NMDA receptors (ketamine) to model memory deficit symptoms in rats. Using the novel object recognition (NOR) test, we investigated the pro-cognitive effect of 1MeTIQ. Additionally, olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, was used as a standard to compare the pro-cognitive effects of the substances. In vivo microdialysis studies allowed us to verify the changes in the release of monoamines and their metabolites in the rat striatum. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that 1MeTIQ, similarly to olanzapine, exhibits a pro-cognitive effect in NOR test and enhances memory disturbed by ketamine treatment. Additionally, in vivo microdialysis studies have shown that ketamine powerfully increased noradrenaline release in the rat striatum, while 1MeTIQ and olanzapine completely antagonised this neurochemical effect. CONCLUSIONS 1MeTIQ, as a possible pro-cognitive drug, in contrast to olanzapine, expresses beneficial neuroprotective activity in the brain, increasing concentration of the extraneuronal dopamine metabolite, 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), which plays an important physiological role in the brain as an inhibitory regulator of catecholaminergic activity. Moreover, we first demonstrated the essential role of noradrenaline release in memory disturbances observed in the ketamine-model of schizophrenia, and its possible participation in negative symptoms of the schizophrenia.
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Howes CF, Sharp C. Delusional infestation in the treatment of ADHD with atomoxetine. Drug Ther Bull 2019; 57:93-95. [PMID: 31126905 DOI: 10.1136/dtb.2019.226020rep] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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The locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system and sensory signal processing: A historical review and current perspectives. Brain Res 2019; 1709:1-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Bar El Y, Kanner S, Barzilai A, Hanein Y. Activity changes in neuron-astrocyte networks in culture under the effect of norepinephrine. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203761. [PMID: 30332429 PMCID: PMC6192555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The concerted activity of neuron-glia networks is responsible for the fascinating dynamics of brain functions. Although these networks have been extensively investigated using a variety of experimental (in vivo and in vitro) and theoretical models, the manner by which neuron-glia networks interact is not fully understood. In particular, how neuromodulators influence network-level signaling between neurons and astrocytes was poorly addressed. In this work, we investigated global effects of the neuromodulator norepinephrine (NE) on neuron-astrocyte network communication in co-cultures of neurons and astrocytes and in isolated astrocyte networks. Electrical stimulation was used to activate the neuron-astrocyte glutamate-mediated pathway. Our results showed dramatic changes in network activity under applied global perturbations. Under neuromodulation, there was a marked rise in calcium signaling in astrocytes, neuronal spontaneous activity was reduced, and the communication between neuron-astrocyte networks was perturbed. Moreover, in the presence of NE, we observed two astrocyte behaviors based on their coupling to neurons. There were also morphological changes in astrocytes upon application of NE, suggesting a physical cause underlies the change in signaling. Our results shed light on the role of NE in controlling sleep-wake cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Bar El
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sivan Kanner
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ari Barzilai
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Hanein
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
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16
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Howes CF, Sharp C. Delusional infestation in the treatment of ADHD with atomoxetine. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2018-226020. [DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The case describes an adult diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and treated with atomoxetine who quickly developed a florid case of delusional infestation. The patient described very distressing experiences that were significantly impacting her daily life. The symptoms improved with the withdrawal of atomoxetine and resolved completely with antipsychotic medications. Atomoxetine is proposed as the putative causative agent in this case.
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17
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Köhler S, Wagner G, Bär KJ. Activation of brainstem and midbrain nuclei during cognitive control in medicated patients with schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 40:202-213. [PMID: 30184301 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that cognitive control functions as well as the underlying brain network, anchored by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), are dysfunctional in schizophrenia. Catecholamine producing midbrain and brainstem nuclei are densely connected with the PFC and dACC and exert profound contributions to cognitive control processes. Dysfunctions within the underlying neurotransmitter systems are considered to play a central role in the occurrence of various symptoms of schizophrenia. We sought to investigate the putatively abnormal activation pattern of the dopaminergic midbrain nuclei, that is, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra as well as that of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) in patients with schizophrenia during cognitive control. A total of 28 medicated patients and 27 healthy controls were investigated with the manual version of the Stroop task using event-related fMRI. The main finding was a reduced BOLD activation in the VTA during both Stroop task conditions in patients in comparison to controls, which correlated significantly with the degree of negative symptoms. We further detected a comparable LC activation in in patients and healthy controls. However, in controls LC activation was significantly correlated with the Stroop interference time, which was not observed in patients. The finding of reduced VTA activation in schizophrenia patients lends further support to the assumed dysfunction of the DA system in schizophrenia. In addition, despite comparable LC activation, the nonsignificant correlation with the Stroop interference time might indicate altered LC functioning in schizophrenia and, thus, needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Köhler
- Psychiatric Brain and Body Research Group Jena, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Gerd Wagner
- Psychiatric Brain and Body Research Group Jena, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Karl-Jürgen Bär
- Psychiatric Brain and Body Research Group Jena, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
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18
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Hjärpe J, Söderman E, Andreou D, Sedvall GC, Agartz I, Jönsson EG. No major influence of regular tobacco smoking on cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite concentrations in patients with psychotic disorder and healthy individuals. Psychiatry Res 2018; 263:30-34. [PMID: 29482043 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Metabolism of the monoamines dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, is altered in the central nervous system of people with schizophrenia, and their major metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), respectively, have been intensively studied as indirect measures of these neurotransmitters in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Regular tobacco smoking has been shown to alter neurotransmitter metabolism in the brain and studies have found CSF monoamine metabolite concentrations to be substantially lower in smokers. However, few studies investigating these monoamines in CSF have controlled for regular tobacco smoking. We investigated if regular tobacco smoking influences CSF HVA, 5-HIAA and MHPG concentrations in patients treated for psychotic disorders (n = 69) and healthy non-psychotic human volunteers (n = 200). After lumbar puncture CSF samples were analyzed with mass fragmentography. CSF HVA, 5-HIAA and MHPG concentrations did not significantly differ between smokers and non-smokers neither in patients, nor in healthy subjects, whereas back-length predicted HVA and 5-HIAA and antipsychotic medication MHPG concentrations. The results indicate that regular tobacco smoking has no significant effect on monoamine metabolite concentrations in CSF. This suggests that lack of controlling for regular tobacco smoking should not substantially violate the results in studies of the major monoamine metabolites in CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Hjärpe
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Söderman
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dimitrios Andreou
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran C Sedvall
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik G Jönsson
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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19
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Zhou SS, Zhou Y. Is the association between season of birth and schizophrenia due to neonatal cold exposure-induced permanent defects in skin functions? Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:638-639. [PMID: 29284558 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Sheng Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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20
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Farina M, Aschner M, da Rocha JBT. The catecholaminergic neurotransmitter system in methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity. ADVANCES IN NEUROTOXICOLOGY 2017; 1:47-81. [PMID: 32346666 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ant.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , United States
| | - João Batista Teixeira da Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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21
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Perkovic MN, Erjavec GN, Strac DS, Uzun S, Kozumplik O, Pivac N. Theranostic Biomarkers for Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E733. [PMID: 28358316 PMCID: PMC5412319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly heritable, chronic, severe, disabling neurodevelopmental brain disorder with a heterogeneous genetic and neurobiological background, which is still poorly understood. To allow better diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategies in schizophrenia patients, use of easy accessible biomarkers is suggested. The most frequently used biomarkers in schizophrenia are those associated with the neuroimmune and neuroendocrine system, metabolism, different neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors. However, there are still no validated and reliable biomarkers in clinical use for schizophrenia. This review will address potential biomarkers in schizophrenia. It will discuss biomarkers in schizophrenia and propose the use of specific blood-based panels that will include a set of markers associated with immune processes, metabolic disorders, and neuroendocrine/neurotrophin/neurotransmitter alterations. The combination of different markers, or complex multi-marker panels, might help in the discrimination of patients with different underlying pathologies and in the better classification of the more homogenous groups. Therefore, the development of the diagnostic, prognostic and theranostic biomarkers is an urgent and an unmet need in psychiatry, with the aim of improving diagnosis, therapy monitoring, prediction of treatment outcome and focus on the personal medicine approach in order to improve the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and decrease health costs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Suzana Uzun
- Clinic for Psychiatry Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Nela Pivac
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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22
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Blessing WW, Blessing EM, Mohammed M, Ootsuka Y. Clozapine, chlorpromazine and risperidone dose-dependently reduce emotional hyperthermia, a biological marker of salience. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:3259-3269. [PMID: 28812124 PMCID: PMC5660844 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4710-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE We recently introduced a new rat model of emotional hyperthermia in which a salient stimulus activates brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and tail artery constriction. Antipsychotic drugs, both classical and second generation, act to reduce excessive assignment of salience to objects and events in the external environment. The close association between salient occurrences and increases in body temperature suggests that antipsychotic drugs may also reduce emotional hyperthermia. OBJECTIVES We determined whether chlorpromazine, clozapine, and risperidone dose dependently reduce emotionally elicited increases in BAT thermogenesis, cutaneous vasoconstriction, and body temperature in rats. METHODS Rats, chronically instrumented for measurement of BAT and body temperature and tail artery blood flow, singly housed, were confronted with an intruder rat (confined within a small wire-mesh cage) after systemic pre-treatment of the resident rat with vehicle or antipsychotic agent. BAT and body temperatures, tail blood flow, and behavioral activity were continuously measured. RESULTS Clozapine (30 μg-2 mg/kg), chlorpromazine (0.1-5 mg/kg), and risperidone (6.25 μg-1 mg/kg) robustly and dose-relatedly reduced intruder-elicited BAT thermogenesis and tail artery vasoconstriction, with consequent dose-related reduction in emotional hyperthermia. CONCLUSIONS Chlorpromazine, a first-generation antipsychotic, as well as clozapine and risperidone, second-generation agents, dose-dependently reduce emotional hyperthermia. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist properties of chlorpromazine do not contribute to thermoregulatory effects. Interactions with monoamine receptors are important, and these monoamine receptor interactions may also contribute to the therapeutic effects of all three antipsychotics. Thermoregulatory actions of putative antipsychotic agents may constitute a biological marker of their therapeutic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Blessing
- Center for Neuroscience, Department of Human Physiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Esther M Blessing
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mazher Mohammed
- Center for Neuroscience, Department of Human Physiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Youichirou Ootsuka
- Center for Neuroscience, Department of Human Physiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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23
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Atzori M, Cuevas-Olguin R, Esquivel-Rendon E, Garcia-Oscos F, Salgado-Delgado RC, Saderi N, Miranda-Morales M, Treviño M, Pineda JC, Salgado H. Locus Ceruleus Norepinephrine Release: A Central Regulator of CNS Spatio-Temporal Activation? Front Synaptic Neurosci 2016; 8:25. [PMID: 27616990 PMCID: PMC4999448 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2016.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Norepinephrine (NE) is synthesized in the Locus Coeruleus (LC) of the brainstem, from where it is released by axonal varicosities throughout the brain via volume transmission. A wealth of data from clinics and from animal models indicates that this catecholamine coordinates the activity of the central nervous system (CNS) and of the whole organism by modulating cell function in a vast number of brain areas in a coordinated manner. The ubiquity of NE receptors, the daunting number of cerebral areas regulated by the catecholamine, as well as the variety of cellular effects and of their timescales have contributed so far to defeat the attempts to integrate central adrenergic function into a unitary and coherent framework. Since three main families of NE receptors are represented-in order of decreasing affinity for the catecholamine-by: α2 adrenoceptors (α2Rs, high affinity), α1 adrenoceptors (α1Rs, intermediate affinity), and β adrenoceptors (βRs, low affinity), on a pharmacological basis, and on the ground of recent studies on cellular and systemic central noradrenergic effects, we propose that an increase in LC tonic activity promotes the emergence of four global states covering the whole spectrum of brain activation: (1) sleep: virtual absence of NE, (2) quiet wake: activation of α2Rs, (3) active wake/physiological stress: activation of α2- and α1-Rs, (4) distress: activation of α2-, α1-, and β-Rs. We postulate that excess intensity and/or duration of states (3) and (4) may lead to maladaptive plasticity, causing-in turn-a variety of neuropsychiatric illnesses including depression, schizophrenic psychoses, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit. The interplay between tonic and phasic LC activity identified in the LC in relationship with behavioral response is of critical importance in defining the short- and long-term biological mechanisms associated with the basic states postulated for the CNS. While the model has the potential to explain a large number of experimental and clinical findings, a major challenge will be to adapt this hypothesis to integrate the role of other neurotransmitters released during stress in a centralized fashion, like serotonin, acetylcholine, and histamine, as well as those released in a non-centralized fashion, like purines and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Atzori
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico; School for Behavior and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Cuevas-Olguin
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Eric Esquivel-Rendon
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | | | - Roberto C Salgado-Delgado
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Nadia Saderi
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Marcela Miranda-Morales
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Mario Treviño
- Laboratory of Cortical Plasticity and Learning, Universidad de Guadalajara Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Juan C Pineda
- Electrophysiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida, Mexico
| | - Humberto Salgado
- Electrophysiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida, Mexico
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Ozcetin A, Cevreli B, Uzbay T. Investigation of the role of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors on prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle reflex in rats. Synapse 2016; 70:501-507. [PMID: 27399264 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors target several behavioral functions. These receptors may connect with the brain pathways mediating sensorimotor gating system that associate with psychoses, and the literature that investigate the relationship between alpha-2 receptors and sensorimotor gating system is very limited and some results are controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of alpha-2 receptors on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle reflex which is a measure of sensorimotor gating. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Adult male Wistar rats were subjects. PPI was measured as the per cent inhibition of the startle reflex produced by a startling pulse stimulus. The average PPI levels were used in the further analyses. Clonidine (0.03-1 mg/kg), an agonist of alpha-2 receptors, idazoxan (10 mg/kg), an antagonist alpha-2 receptors, and saline were injected to rats intraperitoneally. PPI was evaluated at two different startle intensity levels (78 and 86 dB, respectively). PRINCIPAL OBSERVATIONS Treatments produced some significant changes on PPI of startle reflex at all two levels of startle intensity. While clonidine (0.06, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg) disrupted significantly PPI, idazoxan (10 mg/kg) did not produce any significant effect on PPI. However, pretreatment with idazoxan reversed significantly clonidine-induced disruption of PPI. Neither idazoxan (10 mg/kg) nor clonidine (1 mg/kg) produces any significant change on locomotor activity in naive rats. CONCLUSION Because idazoxan and clonidine also act through imidazoline receptors, our results suggest that alpha-2 and/or imidazoline receptors are associated with PPI of acoustic startle reflex in rats. Stimulation of these receptors may cause sensorimotor gating disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Ozcetin
- Uskudar University, Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center (NPARC), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burcu Cevreli
- Uskudar University, Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center (NPARC), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tayfun Uzbay
- Uskudar University, Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center (NPARC), Istanbul, Turkey.
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25
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Zumárraga M, Arrúe A, Basterreche N, Macías I, Catalán A, Madrazo A, Bustamante S, Zamalloa MI, Erkoreka L, Gordo E, Arnaiz A, Olivas O, Arroita A, Marín E, González-Torres MA. COMT haplotypes, catecholamine metabolites in plasma and clinical response in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. Pharmacogenomics 2016; 17:837-51. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We examined the association of COMT haplotypes and plasma metabolites of catecholamines in relation to the clinical response to antipsychotics in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. Patients & methods: We studied 165 patients before and after four weeks of treatment, and 163 healthy controls. We assessed four COMT haplotypes and the plasma concentrations of HVA, DOPAC and MHPG. Results: Bipolar patients: haplotypes are associated with age at onset and clinical evolution. In schizophrenic patients, an haplotype previously associated with increased risk, is related to better response of negative symptoms. Conclusion: Haplotypes would be good indicators of the clinical status and the treatment response in bipolar and schizophrenic patients. Larger studies are required to elucidate the clinical usefulness of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Zumárraga
- Departamento de Investigación Neuroquímica, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aurora Arrúe
- Departamento de Investigación Neuroquímica, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nieves Basterreche
- Unidad de Hospitalización de Corta Estancia, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del País Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Isabel Macías
- Unidad de Salud Laboral, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Catalán
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Arantza Madrazo
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sonia Bustamante
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - María I Zamalloa
- Departamento de Investigación Neuroquímica, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Leire Erkoreka
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del País Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Salud Mental de Barakaldo, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, La Felicidad 9, 3. 48901 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Gordo
- Unidad de Hospitalización de Corta Estancia, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ainara Arnaiz
- Unidad de Hospitalización de Corta Estancia, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Olga Olivas
- Centro de Salud Mental de Gernika, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, San Juan 1, 48300 Gernika, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ariane Arroita
- Centro de Salud Mental de Barakaldo, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, La Felicidad 9, 3. 48901 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Elena Marín
- Hospital Psiquiátrico de Bermeo, Tonpoi Bidea s/n. 48370, Bermeo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Miguel A González-Torres
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del País Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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Metzger CD, Wiegers M, Walter M, Abler B, Graf H. Local and Global Resting State Activity in the Noradrenergic and Dopaminergic Pathway Modulated by Reboxetine and Amisulpride in Healthy Subjects. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 19:pyv080. [PMID: 26209860 PMCID: PMC4772816 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various psychiatric populations are currently investigated with resting state fMRI, with the aim of individualizing diagnostics and treatment options and improving treatment outcomes. Many of these studies are conducted in large naturalistic samples, providing rich insights regarding disease-related neural alterations, but with the common psychopharmacological medication limiting interpretations of the results. We therefore investigated the effects of common noradrenergic and anti-dopaminergic medications on local and global resting state activity (rs-activity) in healthy volunteers to further the understanding of the respective effects independent from disease-related alterations. METHODS Within a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, we investigated 19 healthy male subjects by resting state fMRI after the intake of reboxetine (4 mg/d), amisulpride (200mg/d), and placebo for 7 days each. Treatment-related differences in local and global rs-activity were measured by the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC). RESULTS fALFF revealed alterations of local rs-activity within regions of the core noradrenergic pathway, including the locus coeruleus under reboxetine, correlated with its plasma levels. Moreover, reboxetine led to increased rs-FC between regions within this pathway, i.e. the locus coeruleus, tectum, thalamus, and amygdala. Amisulpride modulated local rs-activity of regions within the dopaminergic pathway, with the altered signal in the putamen correlating with amisulpride plasma levels. Correspondingly, amisulpride increased rs-FC between regions of the dopaminergic pathway comprising the substantia nigra and putamen. CONCLUSION Our data provide evidence of how psychopharmacological agents alter local and global rs-activity within the respective neuroanatomical pathways in healthy subjects, which may help with interpreting data in psychiatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraline D Metzger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany (Drs Metzger and Walter); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ulm, Germany (Drs Wiegers, Abler, and Graf); Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany (Drs Metzger and Walter); Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research (IKND), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany (Dr Metzger); German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany (Dr Metzger).
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Oh JY, Yu BH, Heo JY, Yoo I, Song H, Jeon HJ. Plasma catecholamine levels before and after paroxetine treatment in patients with panic disorder. Psychiatry Res 2015; 225:471-5. [PMID: 25529258 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Revised: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Catecholamines such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine are closely related to the autonomic nervous system, suggesting that panic disorder may involve elevated catecholamine levels. This study investigated basal and posttreatment catecholamine levels in patients with panic disorder. A total of 29 patients with panic disorder and 23 healthy controls participated in the study. Panic disorder patients received paroxetine treatment for 12 weeks after clinical tests and examination had been conducted. We investigated the difference in basal levels of catecholamine and measured the changes in catecholamine levels before and after drug treatment in panic disorder patients. The basal plasma epinephrine (48.87±6.18 pg/ml) and dopamine (34.87±3.57 pg/ml) levels of panic disorder patients were significantly higher than those (34.79±4.72 pg/ml and 20.40±3.53 pg/ml) of the control group. However, basal plasma norepinephrine levels did not show statistically significant differences between patients and controls. After drug therapy, plasma catecholamine levels were nonsignificantly decreased and norepinephrine levels showed a tendency toward a decrease that did not reach significance. In conclusion, this study suggests the possibility of a baseline increase of plasma catecholamine levels and activation of sympathetic nervous systems in patients with panic disorder which may normalize after treatment with paroxetine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Young Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bum-Hee Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Yoon Heo
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ikki Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyemin Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Seoul, Korea; Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Fitzgerald PJ. Noradrenaline transmission reducing drugs may protect against a broad range of diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 34:15-26. [PMID: 25271382 DOI: 10.1111/aap.12019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
1 A growing body of evidence suggests that the signalling molecule, noradrenaline (NA), plays a pathophysiological role in a broad range of psychiatric, neurological and peripheral disorders. Both preclinical and clinical data suggest that elevated NA signalling may be involved in the aetiology of major diseases such as depression, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus. 2 The molecular pathways by which NA may cause the manifestation of disease remain poorly understood, although they may include G protein-coupled receptor modulation of the Ras/MAP kinase, Stat3 and PI3K pathways, among others. In both individual animals and humans, NA tone may be elevated largely due to genetics, but also because of the exposure to marked psychological stress or trauma, or other environmental factors. 3 As NA is involved in the 'fight or flight' response by the sympathetic nervous system, this transmitter may be elevated in a large number of organisms due to evolutionary selection of enhancing responses to immediate environmental dangers. Likewise, acetylcholine signalling by the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') nervous system may be relatively diminished. This putative autonomic imbalance may result in diminished engagement in homeostatic processes, resulting in the emergence and progression of a number of diseases throughout the body. 4 In this scenario, a large number of individuals may benefit from chronic use of pharmacological agents - such as clonidine, guanfacine, propranolol or prazosin - that diminish NA signalling throughout the body. If so, NA transmission lowering drugs may protect against a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
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