NITRIC-OXIDE, FREE-RADICALS AND POLYAMINES MAY HAVE A ROLE IN THE MEMBRANE PATHOLOGY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Studies on skin fibroblasts in culture derived from schizophrenic and control subjects showed that polyamines are increased, nitrate levels are reduced and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances did not alter in cultured cells from schizophrenic patients compared to control subj ects. Results seem to indicate some alteration in membrane functions i n schizophrenia, which is susceptible to neuroleptic treatment. Signif icantly increased levels of polyamines in drug-treated schizophrenic c ells indicates a possible role of polyamines in the activation of prop osed hypofunctional NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor systems in schi zophrenia.