The new-generation antipsychotics - integrating the neuropathology and pharmacology of schizophrenia
Date
1999
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Despite a well-established role for dopamine (DA) in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, and the evidence of a hyperdopaminergic state in the schizophrenic brain, many questions still remain. Typical agents acting predominantly on DA D2 receptors are only partially effective. New data now indicate that the interaction between DA and the various DA receptors as well as DA interaction with other transmitter systems, are more critical in deciding the therapeutic success of an antipsychotic than actions on DA alone. These interactions are closely associated with what is being documented regarding the neuro-anatomy, neurobiology and neuropsychology of the disorder. There have been major advances in the understanding of the neuropathology of schizophrenia that, while not replacing the original DA hypothesis, have forced a re-evaluation of our understanding of the disorder. In this paper we present the biochemical and neuropathological basis for schizophrenia and discuss six new atypical antipsychotics according to these theories. Drugs reviewed include clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, sertindole and quetiapine. While not a comparative analysis of these drugs, this paper is an appraisal of how their pharmacology correlates with our present knowledge of the disorder and highlights differences among the drugs in this group. These agents therefore possess specifically designed qualities, to varying degrees, promising a significant improvement over earlier agents in terms of treating positive and negative symptoms, with a minimal risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). These qualities include an emphasis on D2 selectivity, D1/D2 balance, DA/serotonin (5HT) balance, D3/D4 selectivity, DA/acetylcholine (Ach) balance and glutamate (Glu)/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) balance. The drugs are discussed with reference to these criteria. Targeted drug design has created a goal-directed strategy with which to treat schizophrenia. These new antipsychotics appear to have several distinct advantages over their predecessors, and should make a major contribution to the treatment of schizophrenia and the re-integration of these patients into society.
Description
CITATION: Harvey, B. H., Stein D. J. & Emsley, R. A. 1999. The new-generation antipsychotics - integrating the neuropathology and pharmacology of schizophrenia. South African Medical Journal, 89(6):661-672.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Schizophrenia -- Treatment, Antipsychotic drugs
Citation
Harvey, B. H., Stein D. J. & Emsley, R. A. 1999. The new-generation antipsychotics - integrating the neuropathology and pharmacology of schizophrenia. South African Medical Journal, 89(6):661-672.