Project Summary

Gianmaria MacCaferri, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2000) of Emory University, is investigating whether increased activity of dopamine receptors in a specific class of nerve cells called “interneurons” causes decreased activity of glutamate neural pathways.  This is hypothesized to lead to an impairment of functional neural networks.  Dysfunction of dopamine and glutamate are proposed to underlie the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia.   Dr. MacCaferri will test this hypothesis by recording the effect of dopamine application on the electrical activity generated by exciting the NMDA receptor in the interneurons.  This work may help elucidate which function of the neural network is disrupted in schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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