Posted by SLS on January 19, 2009, at 8:19:53
In reply to Re: Nicotine increases GAD67 levels in schizophrenia, posted by mav27 on January 19, 2009, at 1:10:47
> So if i've read that right ( and i won't be suprised if i didn't) the main thing is people with schizophrenia can find that nicotine helps by increasing GABA via GAD67 ? With GABA being the important part in the end result ?
The effects of nicotine are complex and involve dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and opioids as well. I can barely make heads or tails of it without studying more thoroughly all the systems and receptors involved.
The net effect of nicotine on GABA and dopamine release appears to be phasic; with GABA release and dopamine inhibition occurring first and GABA reduction and an extended period of dopamine increase occurring thereafter. My guess is that the GABA release and dopamine inhibition helps with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia while the extended dopamine increase helps with the positive symptoms. Understanding the circuity involved and the differential loci of these effects on neurotransmission is important.
http://www.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol17N6/DoubleEffect.gif
While I was a client in a PH program, the hospital, after years of allowing smoking at the program changed their policy to make the entire hospital smoke-free. I considered this to be a disaster, and through our member council, lobbied the hospital to change their mind on the basis of the therapeutic effects of smoking on our schizophrenics. We were not given a special accommodation. So now, people can leave the grounds without impediment to smoke. Luckily, there is an abandoned lot across the street to accommodate the many smokers who represent a majority of clients there.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:874824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/874907.html