Cited by 1,020Schizophrenia research and treatmentNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

NMDA receptor hypofunction model of schizophrenia

Olney, John W, Newcomer, John W, Farber, Nuri B·1999·Journal of Psychiatric Research

Abstract

Several decades of research attempting to explain schizophrenia in terms of the dopamine hyperactivity hypothesis have produced disappointing results. A new hypothesis focusing on hypofunction of the NMDA glutamate transmitter system is emerging as a potentially more promising concept. In this article, we present a version of the NMDA receptor hypofunction hypothesis that has evolved from our recent studies pertaining to the neurotoxic and psychotomimetic effects of PCP and related NMDA antagonist drugs. In this article, we examine this hypothesis in terms of its strengths and weaknesses, its therapeutic implications and ways in which it can be further tested.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/s0022-3956(99)00029-1

Cites

62 of 62 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • This results in disinhibition and hyperactivity of excitatory pathways, which will eventually cause neuronal damage.

    “This results in disinhibition and hyperactivity of excitatory pathways, which will eventually cause neuronal damage.17”
  • The NMDA-receptor hypofunction hypothesis was evolved from studies with NMDA-receptor antagonists, such as PCP and ketamine.

    “The NMDA-receptor hypofunction hypothesis was evolved from studies with NMDA-receptor antagonists, such as PCP and ketamine.17”
  • Diminished glutamate receptor activation, in particular of the NMDA-type, may be a possible underlying mechanism of reduced synaptic activity because NMDA-receptor antagonists produce the same symptoms as those seen in schizophrenia.

    “In fact, diminished glutamate receptor activation, in particular of the NMDA-type of glutamate receptor, may be a possible underlying mechanism of reduced synaptic activity because NMDA-receptor antagonists produce the same symptoms as those seen in schizophrenia.17,18,25”
  • The hypothesis that the exceptionally high metabolic rate of the posterior cingulate and precuneus adds to their vulnerability receives some support from animal models of schizophrenia based on pharmacologically induced excitatory amino acid toxicity that preferentially targets this area.

    “This hypothesis receives some support from animal models of schizophrenia (36), based on pharmacologically induced, excitatory amino acid toxicity that preferentially (but without explanation to date) targets this area.”

    From A default mode of brain function (2001) · cites this paper as [36]

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Authors
Olney, J. W., Newcomer, J. W., & Farber, N. B.
Affiliations
Washington University in St. Louis (US)
Corresponding author
Olney, John W
Venue
Journal of Psychiatric Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
1999-11
Volume
33
Issue
6
Pages
523-533
ISSN
0022-3956 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2084120702
Cited by
1,020
References
63
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 30 · 2020: 32 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 46 · 2016: 29 · 2015: 50 · 2014: 56 · 2013: 38 · 2012: 55
FWCI
11.92
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Psychiatric Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5k02mh001510-05, 5k20da000290-05)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (MH33894, MH-01510)
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (DA00290)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Keywords
schizophrenia, NMDA receptor hypofunction, phencyclidine, NMDA receptor antagonists, neurotoxicity, psychotomimetic effects, schizophrenia treatment
MeSH terms
Animals, Disease Models, Animal, Enzyme Inhibitors, Humans, Models, Biological, Models, Psychological, Phencyclidine, Schizophrenia, Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate, Rats

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