A CURE FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA?

September 14, 2014 (San Diego) – Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have found what appears to be a chemical basis for schizophrenia.

The study, published in Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, N.Y., found that neurons derived from stem cells of schizophrenics secreted significantly more dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters than other people.

Psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia can affect the regulation of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine, but they can be selectively targeted by some psychotropic drugs, the researchers said.

Senior author Vivian Hook, a professor with UCSD’s School of Medicine, says the study’s findings could lead to new medications and treatment for schizophrenia.