Decrease in olfactory and taste receptor expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in chronic schizophrenia.
Belén Ansoleaga1, Paula Garcia-Esparcia1, Raquel Pinacho2
1Institut de Neuropatologia, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|October 6, 2014
Summary
Olfactory (OR) and taste (TASR) receptors are down-regulated in the brain in schizophrenia. This finding suggests their involvement in altered cognition and potential antipsychotic mechanisms in this neuropsychiatric disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Olfactory (OR) and taste (TASR) chemoreceptors show altered expression in neurodegenerative diseases.
- This suggests a potential role for these receptors in broader neuropsychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the deregulation of OR and TASR gene expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in schizophrenia.
- To explore the association between gene expression, clinical symptoms, and antipsychotic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used on postmortem DLPFC tissue.
- Subjects included individuals with chronic schizophrenia (n=15) and controls (n=14).
- Clinical data, including negative symptoms and chlorpromazine dose, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant down-regulation of 7/11 ORs and 4/6 TASRs was observed in schizophrenia patients.
- The most pronounced changes were linked to genes at the 11p15.4 locus.
- Gene expression changes did not correlate with symptom severity or illness duration but inversely associated with chlorpromazine dose.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of decreased brain ORs and TASRs in schizophrenia.
- The findings suggest a role for these receptors in altered cognition associated with schizophrenia.
- OR and TASR expression may be influenced by antipsychotic medications, indicating their potential involvement in treatment mechanisms or side effects.
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