Schizophrenia and prostaglandins: theories and therapeutic implications.

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) which has characteristic pharmacological effects on the central nervous system has been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. In connection with the postulated involvement of PGE1 in the pathogenesis of schizophrenic symptoms, two contrasting hypotheses have been proposed. Neither theory has been supported by adequate clinical studies; they, may, however, have important therapeutic implications. Determination of PGE1 in the cerebrospinal fluid and the use of PGE1 antagonists and agonists in schizophrenic patients may provide some framework for future research.