Excitatory Amino Acids in Schizophrenia: Both What You Have, and What You Do With Them

Excitatory amino acid (EAA) neurotransmitters, including glutamate, glycine, and D-serine, have been strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. As pointed out by Kim et  al. (1), symptoms of schizophrenia in general resemble the pattern associated with reduced activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). The basis for the reduction at present is unknown and may involve causes as a diverse as reduced integrity of pre- and postsynaptic glutamate terminals, reduced neurotransmitter concentrations, or increased concentration of endogenous antagonists (2).
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research