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Deficits in GABAA receptor function and working memory in non-smokers with schizophrenia.
- Source :
-
Schizophrenia research [Schizophr Res] 2016 Mar; Vol. 171 (1-3), pp. 125-30. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Jan 18. - Publication Year :
- 2016
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Abstract
- Background: Although altered gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, it is unclear whether the influence of GABA on working memory processes is confounded by nicotine use in this population. It is therefore crucial to evaluate working memory and its underlying mechanisms in non-smokers with schizophrenia to eliminate the confounding effects of nicotine on behavior and neurophysiology.<br />Methods: In this cross-sectional study, working memory was assessed using the verbal N-back task, while GABAergic function was assessed through motor cortical inhibition using single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the left primary motor cortex in 11 non-smokers with schizophrenia and 13 non-smoker healthy subjects.<br />Results: Similar to previously published studies, working memory performance was significantly impaired in the 3-back condition in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy subjects (p=0.036). In addition, GABAA receptor function was significantly reduced in schizophrenia as assessed by short interval cortical inhibition (SICI) (p=0.005). A positive correlation was found between GABAA inhibition and working memory performance on the 3-back task (r(23)=0.55, p=0.006), suggesting that greater GABAA inhibition is associated with better performance on tasks of working memory.<br />Conclusions: Our findings highlight the role of GABAA receptor dysfunction in working memory and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and may represent a selective characteristic of schizophrenia. Moreover, these findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for targeting GABA receptor activity to improve cognition and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Analysis of Variance
Cross-Sectional Studies
Electromyography
Evoked Potentials, Motor physiology
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Reaction Time physiology
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Young Adult
Memory Disorders etiology
Memory, Short-Term physiology
Neural Inhibition physiology
Receptors, GABA deficiency
Schizophrenia complications
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1573-2509
- Volume :
- 171
- Issue :
- 1-3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Schizophrenia research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 26796540
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2016.01.008