Neuroscience research: related to the neuropathology of schizophrenia, neuroendocrinology of obesity, and brain map

摘要: Aripiprazole has been used effectively to treat schizophrenia in the clinic ; however, its mechanisms of action are not clear. This study examined how shortand long-term aripiprazole treatment affects dopaminergic transmission mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways. For comparison, effects haloperidol olanzapine were also examined. significantly increased D2 receptor mRNA expression decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) ventral tegmental area (VTA) after 1and 12-wk treatment, but had no effect substantia nigra (SN) nucleus accumbens (NAc). dopamine transporter (DAT) binding density NAc (for 12wk treatment) VTA (1-wk treatment). In contrast, DAT caudate putamen (CPu) it decreases treatment. Olanzapine less widespread effects, namely an increase 1-wk These results suggest that selective on pathway. Selectively reducing synthesis is a possible therapeutic mechanism for efficacy controlling symptoms with reduced extrapyramidal side-effects. Received 2 October 2008 Reviewed 4 November Revised 16 December Accepted 30 First published online 10 February 2009