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Related Concept Videos

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
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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
PubMed
Summary

Schizophrenia involves synaptic dysfunction, impacting information processing. This review examines structural and functional synaptic changes in schizophrenia, independent of antipsychotic effects.

Keywords:
antipsychoticsdendritic spinepostsynaptic densitysynapsevesicle proteins

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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.