Project Summary

Stephen I. Deutsch, M.D., Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2000) of VA Capitol Health Care Network, Maryland (VA), is testing a potentially new medication for schizophrenia.  This class of medication, called a kainate/AMPA (KA/AMPA) receptor antagonist, is known to block the action of excitatory neurotransmitters.  Previous work suggests that diminished function of a receptor complex called “NMDA” could lead to excessive levels of excitatory neurotransmitters, including L-glutatmate, resulting in the progressive death of nerve cells by a mechanism called apoptosis.  This process may characterize a subgroup of schizophrenic patients with poor functional outcome.  Dr. Deutsch will enroll stabilized patients with schizophrenia into an 8-week trial of the KA/AMPA receptor antagonist medication.  Patients will continue to receive antipsychotic medication throughout the clinical trial.  Subjects will be assessed for changes in symptoms, global function, and tests of memory and language at baseline and throughout the protocol.  In addition, the patients will be closely monitored for adverse events and safety of this medication.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

Search Again