It is believed that neuregulin and dysbindin influence the
expression of glutamate receptors. Substances with antagonistic effects at the glutamatergic
NMDA receptor such as ketamine and memantine are known to produce psychotic symptoms
in healthy subjects. Glutamate is the most widespread excitatory transmitter in the
mammalian brain.In the human cortex it is released from cortical pyramidal cells and
hippocampal neurons with extensive projections to the limbic system and basal ganglia.In physiological concentrations, glutamate facilitates cognition and memory formation; nonphysiologically
high concentrations, of glutamate are, however, neurotoxic.
It is likely that many other neurotransmitter substances are in one or the other way
involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related disorders. Current research
focuses on neurotrophins and their regulatory power of repair mechanisms and apoptosis
via expression of glutamate receptors, which may also open new therapeutic avenues in
the future.