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Decreased Brain pH and Pathophysiology in Schizophrenia
Hae-Jeong Park1, Inyeong Choi2, Kang-Hyun Leem3
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Schizophrenia is linked to lower brain pH, potentially caused by mitochondrial dysfunction and altered energy metabolism. This pH imbalance may significantly impact brain function and contribute to psychotic behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Postmortem studies indicate lower brain pH in schizophrenia patients.
- Abnormal energy metabolism, leading to increased lactate, is implicated in this pH decrease.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia affects cellular energy production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes and effects of decreased brain pH in schizophrenia.
- To explore the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and altered metabolism.
- To examine the impact of pH changes on schizophrenia pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of postmortem human brain studies.
- Review of findings from animal models of schizophrenia.
- Examination of cellular studies on brain pH regulation.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial abnormalities promote anaerobic glycolysis, increasing lactate and lowering pH.
- Brain pH changes can affect neuronal proteins, influencing cognition, emotion, and behavior.
- Acid/base transporters, like NHEs and NCBTs, are crucial for brain pH regulation.
Conclusions:
- Decreased brain pH is a significant factor in schizophrenia pathophysiology.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and altered energy metabolism contribute to low brain pH.
- Further research into acid/base transporters may reveal novel therapeutic targets for schizophrenia.
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