Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
05:14
Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
Abnormal striatal dopamine transmission in schizophrenia
Jerome Brunelin1, Shirley Fecteau, Marie-Françoise Suaud-Chagny
1Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, F-69003, Lyon, France. jerome.brunelin@ch-le-vinatier.fr
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|November 20, 2012
Summary
The dopamine (DA) hypothesis of schizophrenia is supported by neuroimaging studies showing increased DA synthesis and D2 receptor density in patients. These striatal DA abnormalities may serve as an endophenotype and biomarker for psychosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- The dopamine (DA) hypothesis is central to understanding schizophrenia.
- Neuroimaging techniques like PET and SPECT are crucial for investigating brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss findings from PET/SPECT studies on striatal DA function in schizophrenia.
- To compare DA function in patients, at-risk individuals, and healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Review of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies.
- Investigation of presynaptic DA synthesis (DOPA uptake), synaptic DA transporter (DAT) availability, and DA D2 receptor density.
Main Results:
- Increased DA synthesis observed in patients with schizophrenia.
- No evidence of dopamine transporter (DAT) dysfunction.
- Mild increase in D2 receptor density and hyperreactivity of the DA system.
Conclusions:
- Striatal DA abnormalities are evident in schizophrenia patients and at-risk individuals, potentially an endophenotype.
- Subtle DA abnormalities in at-risk populations may predict psychosis transition.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
01:24Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...
01:30Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest with various positive symptoms, including thought, movement, and behavior disorders. These symptoms significantly disrupt cognitive and motor functions, leading to profound effects on an individual's ability to engage with the world.
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts...
01:28Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
The term "psychosis" refers to a spectrum of mental disorders characterized by abnormal thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors. It can manifest as mood disorders, dementia, delirium with psychotic features, substance-induced psychosis with psychotic features, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Among all these disorders, schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder, affecting 1% of the worldwide population. Psychotic symptoms in all...