Project Summary

Rhoshel K. Lenroot, M.D. (Young Investigator 2003) of University of New Mexico, will study childhood and adolescent-onset schizophrenia, which is viewed as a more severe form of the disease.  Many studies have found that glutamate, a neurotransmitter, function appears to be abnormal in adults with schizophrenia, and medications which affect glutamate function may help alleviate some symptoms.  Using a powerful nuclear imaging technology known as proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), Dr. Lenroot will compare glutamate measures and N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal integrity, in children and adolescents with and without schizophrenia.  Dr. Lenroot predicts that measures of glutamate function will be higher and NAA will be decreased in subjects with schizophrenia, reflecting a possible toxic effect of glutamate on nerve cells.  This will be the first study of glutamate function in children and adolescents with schizophrenia and should provide greater insight into the mechanisms of the disease as well as help guide the use of medications in this population.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia\Child/Adolescent (Early Onset)

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