Project Summary

Anissa Abi-Dargham, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2000) of Columbia University, is conducting neuroimaging studies on chronic abusers of PCP (“angel dust”) in order to examine abnormalities of brain function that might be similar to those observed in schizophrenia. Previous work suggests that one of the receptors on which PCP acts (the NMDA receptor) is underactive in schizophrenia. Dr. Abi-Dargham will use the following brain imaging techniques: positron emission tomography (PET) to examine the dopamine type 1 (D1) receptor; magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to quantify the neuronal marker n-acetyl-aspartate; and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure blood flow activation following a working memory task. The findings from this study may help support the validity of NMDA receptor underactivation in schizophrenia, and further justify the search for new medications that enhance NMDA transmission in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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