Neuropeptides, Dopamine, and Schizophrenia

In this paper, three types of evidence for the possible role of neuropeptides in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia are considered. First, studies in postmortem brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been conducted to determine whether the integrity or activity of neuropeptide-containing systems and their receptors is altered in schizophrenia. Second, studies in which peptides have been administered to schizophrenic patients to evaluate their potential therapeutic use are reviewed. Finally, the effects of peptide receptor antagonists on the symptoms of schizophrenic patients are reviewed.