Project Summary

Eric L. Barker, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2000) of Purdue University, is attempting to determine the mechanisms by which dopamine receptors influence the transport of anandamide, a substance found in the normal human that is chemically related to marijuana.  This substance is known to cause alterations in mood, perception, and cognition, suggesting the possibility that it is overactive in schizophrenia.  Activation of the dopamine 2 (D2) receptor has been linked to alterations in anandamide release and receptor signaling, and overactivity of dopamine has been postulated to play an important role in schizophrenia.  Moreover, chronic activation of D2 receptors may prevent adaptive increases in anandamide uptake.  This work may therefore shed further light on biochemical abnormalities that could underlie the symptoms and signs of schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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