Project Summary

Emil Christopher Muly, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2000) of Emory University, is investigating the interaction between the glutamate and dopamine systems.  Abnormalities of each of these neurotransmitters have been implicated in schizophrenia.  Evidence suggests that these two systems may interact: dopamine turnover is increased when certain glutamate receptors are blocked, and when other glutamate receptors are stimulated.  Dr. Muly will determine if particular types of glutamate receptors are present in the dopamine containing axons (which project from nerve cells) in the primate prefrontal cortex, and in the dendritic spines (which receive nerve impulses) of the dopamine type 1 (D1) receptor.  This work may demonstrate the direct circuit basis for the interactions between dopamine and glutamate.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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