Investigators publish new data in the report 'Molecular mechanisms underlying synergistic effects of SSRI-antipsychotic augmentation in treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.' "Negative symptoms in schizophrenia respond poorly to antipsychotics, but may improve when these are augmented with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The molecular mechanisms underlying the augmentation are unclear," scientists in Haifa, Israel report (see also Schizophrenia Therapy).

"Nevertheless, significant progress has been made, pointing to some candidate systems which may be involved in SSRI-antipsychotic synergism. Thus, the enhanced dopamine release by SSRI-antipsychotic treatment is modulated by specific serotonergic receptors and by tyrosine hydroxylase. There are modifications in gamma-aminobutyric acid system via glutamate decarboxylase 67, protein kinase C beta and the receptor for activated C-kinase 1 (Rack1). Some studies indicate the input of transcription and neurotrophic factors as phospho-cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein, Fos and fibroblast growth factor-2. Alterations in calcium signaling (neurogranin, regulator of G-protein signaling and Rack1) and in cytokine receptors for interleukin-8 and chemokine have also been reported," wrote Y. Chertkow and colleagues, Technion, Department of Pharmacology.

The researchers concluded: "While as yet limited in scope, the evidence suggests definable molecular targets which may be implicated in drug development based on SSRI-antipsychotic synergistic actions."

Chertkow and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Neural Transmission (Molecular mechanisms underlying synergistic effects of SSRI-antipsychotic augmentation in treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Journal of Neural Transmission, 2009;116(11):1529-41).

For more information, contact Y. Chertkow, Eve Topf Center of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Dept. of Pharmacology, Technion-Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Neural Transmission is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.