Bressan Rodrigo A, Pilowsky Lyn S
Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Braz J Psychiatry. 2003 Sep;25(3):177-83. doi: 10.1590/s1516-44462003000300011.
Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric disorder whose pathophysiology has not been fully clarified yet. Although dopamine dysfunction in schizophrenia is unequivocal, there are many evidences suggesting the involvement of the glutamatergic system. This paper briefly describes some basic knowledge regarding the functioning of the glutamatergic receptors with emphasis on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Presents evidence for glutamatergic dysfunction in schizophrenia, more specifically NMDA receptor hypofunction. Finaly the paper discusses the interaction between the dopaminergic and the glutamatergic systems; in special how hyperdopaminergic state found in schizophrenia can be associated to glutamatergic dysfunctions.
