Increased antibodies for the alpha7 subunit of the nicotinic receptor in schizophrenia

One of the etiological theories of schizophrenia is dysregulation of the immune system. Autoantibodies specific for the alpha7 subunit of the nicotinic receptor could potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. In this study, positive antibodies specific for the receptor were found...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Schizophrenia research 2009-04, Vol.109 (1-3), p.98-101
Main Authors: Chandley, Michelle J, Miller, Merry N, Kwasigroch, Christine Newell, Wilson, Tracy D, Miller, Barney E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Aged
Antibodies - blood
Autoantibodies - blood
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Receptors, Nicotinic - blood
Receptors, Nicotinic - immunology
Schizophrenia - blood
Schizophrenia - immunology
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Summary:One of the etiological theories of schizophrenia is dysregulation of the immune system. Autoantibodies specific for the alpha7 subunit of the nicotinic receptor could potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. In this study, positive antibodies specific for the receptor were found to exist in 23% of the patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n=21). On the average, levels for the antibody were elevated in the schizophrenia patient population than in controls. The data also suggests that there is a significant correlation between antibody titer and age, lending support to the neurodegenerative nature of the disease.
ISSN:0920-9964
DOI:10.1016/j.schres.2009.01.023