Project Summary

James R. Brasic, M.D., M.P.H. (Young Investigator 2002) of Johns Hopkins University, will assess the function of the high-affinity α4/β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the brain target sites normally stimulated by nicotine, in people with schizophrenia who never smoked cigarettes and in healthy adults who utilize nicotine patches but do not smoke cigarettes.  He will test the hypothesis that deficiencies of the high-affinity α4/β2 nAChRs in the brain characterize biologically distinct classes of people with schizophrenia.  The nAChRs are likely deficient in number and/or function in people with schizophrenia.  NAChR dysfunction may play an important role in the relentless progressive deterioration common in schizophrenia and provide clues to the development of novel effective treatments, including nicotine patches.  Ultimately, this study will facilitate the development of effective and safe nicotinic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia\Nicotine

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