Prefrontal dysfunction and a monkey model of schizophrenia

Neurosci Bull. 2015 Apr;31(2):235-41. doi: 10.1007/s12264-014-1506-4. Epub 2015 Mar 31.

Abstract

The prefrontal cortex is implicated in cognitive functioning and schizophrenia. Prefrontal dysfunction is closely associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition to the features typical of schizophrenia, patients also present with aspects of cognitive disorders. Based on these relationships, a monkey model mimicking the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia has been made using treatment with the non-specific competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, phencyclidine. The symptoms are ameliorated by atypical antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine. The beneficial effects of clozapine on behavioral impairment might be a specific indicator of schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cognition Disorders
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / toxicity
  • Haplorhini
  • Phencyclidine / toxicity
  • Prefrontal Cortex / pathology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Schizophrenia / chemically induced
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / pathology*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • Phencyclidine