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Neurotensin: an endogenous antipsychotic?
Becky Kinkead1, Charles B Nemeroff
1Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Suite 4000 Woodruff Memorial Research Building, 1639 Pierce Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|January 12, 2002
Summary
Neurotensin, a neuropeptide, is implicated in schizophrenia and antipsychotic drug action. However, using a neurotensin receptor agonist for new antipsychotic drug development remains debated.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neuropeptide neurotensin is implicated in antipsychotic drug mechanisms.
- Neurotensin also plays a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of neurotensin receptor agonists for antipsychotic drug development.
- To address the debate surrounding peripheral neurotensin receptor agonism as an antipsychotic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Experimental approaches implicating neurotensin.
- Analysis of neurotensin receptor agonist efficacy.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports neurotensin's role in antipsychotic mechanisms and schizophrenia.
- Debate exists regarding the viability of peripherally administered neurotensin receptor agonists.
Conclusions:
- The therapeutic utility of neurotensin receptor agonists requires further investigation.
- Peripheral neurotensin agonism presents a potential, albeit debated, avenue for novel antipsychotic drug discovery.