The effects of cholecystokinin-like peptides in schizophrenics and normal human subjects

Eight neuroleptic-resistant schizophrenic patients were treated with ceruletide, a cholecystokinin-like peptide, in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Ceruletide or placebo was administered intramuscularly twice a day for 4 consecutive days while patients were maintained on a constant dose of fluphenazine. There were no changes in either the positive or negative symptoms of schizophrenia between the periods of placebo and ceruletide administration. To further characterize ceruletide actions we also administered it to seven normal volunteers and evaluated its effects on cognition and mood. Volunteers were administered ceruletide (0.3 micrograms/kg or 0.6 micrograms/kg) or saline placebo intramuscularly. Ceruletide had no effects on recent or remote memory or attention, but the higher dose did cause a significant increase in fatigue. These results suggest that although CCK-like peptides lack antipsychotic or cognitive effects they do induce mild sedation. This sedation may be part of a "satiety-like" state induced by peripheral administration of CCK.