Project Summary

Stephen F. Traynelis, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2004) of Emory University, proposes studying the role of glutamate receptor control of midbrain dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN). A large body of evidence suggests that interactions between glutamate receptors and the dopaminergic system may influence mood as well as psychotic states. NMDA glutamate receptors have been hypothesized to play an important role in schizophrenia on the basis of the finding that NMDA receptor hypofunction following block by the dissociative anesthetic phencyclidine (PCP) can induce psychosis that mimics symptoms of schizophrenia. Aberrations in dopaminergic transmission have also long been considered a hallmark of schizophrenia given the clinical effectiveness of dopamine receptor antagonists. These studies on the midbrain will provide new insight into ways in which NMDA receptor function may control the dopaminergic system and thereby influence cognition, depression, and psychosis.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia\Parkinson's Associated Depression

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