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Cholecystokinin, dopamine and schizophrenia
D L Garver1, M C Beinfeld, J K Yao
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Schizophrenia patients have lower levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Low CCK may predict resistance to antipsychotic medications, particularly in males.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide implicated in various brain functions.
- Altered neuropeptide levels are observed in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
- The role of CCK in antipsychotic drug response requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immunoreactive-cholecystokinin (CCK) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of drug-free schizophrenic patients.
- To compare CSF CCK levels between schizophrenic patients and healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between CSF CCK levels and antipsychotic treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of immunoreactive-CCK in CSF samples from 11 schizophrenic patients and 6 age-matched controls.
- Comparison of CSF CCK levels based on diagnosis (schizophrenia vs. control), sex, and antipsychotic response time.
Main Results:
- CSF CCK levels were significantly lower in schizophrenic patients compared to controls (p < .002).
- Male schizophrenic subjects exhibited significantly lower CSF CCK levels than female schizophrenic subjects (p < .01).
- Schizophrenic patients with delayed antipsychotic response (≥28 days) showed significantly lower CSF CCK levels than early responders (p < .04).
Conclusions:
- Reduced CSF CCK may be a biomarker for schizophrenia.
- Lower CCK levels are associated with poorer response to haloperidol treatment.
- CCK might be crucial for neuroleptic-induced dopamine neuron modulation and antipsychotic efficacy, suggesting CCK deficiency could lead to neuroleptic resistance.