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Synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia
Emre Mısır1,2, Güvem Gümüş Akay2,3,4,5
1Department of Psychiatry, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Synapse (New York, N.Y.)
|May 21, 2023
Summary
Schizophrenia involves synaptic dysfunction, impacting information processing. This review examines structural and functional synaptic changes in schizophrenia, independent of antipsychotic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by psychotic, negative, and cognitive symptoms.
- Synaptic disruption is a key pathological feature, affecting neural circuit function and information processing.
- Both structural and functional synaptic abnormalities contribute to schizophrenia's progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural and functional deterioration of synapses in schizophrenia.
- To discuss the impact of antipsychotic medications on synaptic function in schizophrenia.
- To highlight synaptic changes independent of drug treatment.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes findings from genetic and molecular analyses.
- It examines studies on presynaptic and postsynaptic protein complexes.
- Cellular adhesion molecules and receptor function are also considered.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia is associated with decreased dendritic spine density and impaired exocytosis.
- Postsynaptic signaling, including glutamate receptors and ion channels, is significantly affected.
- Alterations in cellular adhesion molecules like neurexin and neuroligin are detected.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic structure and function are profoundly impaired in schizophrenia.
- These synaptic deficits contribute to cognitive and affective disturbances.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
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