Immune and glutamate systems in health and schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex and disabling disorder characterized by psychotic and cognitive symptoms, motivational impairment and affective dysregulation. Its pathophysiology still remains to be elucidated. Approximately one percent of the worldwide population is diagnosed with the disease during their lifetimes. To illustrate, this tells us that more than 70 million people are diagnosed with schizophrenia for a certain period of time in their lives. The disease has a major burden on patients, their family members, and society. Novel treatment for schizophrenia is warranted as the efficacy of the current antipsychotics is not optimal and the several side effects, such as sedation, have a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life.

This thesis aims to contribute to the search of novel drug targets for schizophrenia with the examination of the immune and glutamate systems in health and schizophrenia. The thesis did not provide support for a prominent role for the immune system in schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders. In health, increased binding potential (BPND) of the 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) ligand (R)-[11C]PK11195 was present in widespread grey matter regions during aging. It has been shown that the glutamate system could be imaged with the PET tracer [11C]GMOM in health. Future research is needed to examine other immune pathways and the glutamate system in schizophrenia in order to provide further insight into the pathogenesis of the disease and may lead to new treatment for schizophrenia patients.