Clozapine is a novel atypical antipsychotic compound which has shown superior efficacy both on clinical and extrapyramidal parameters in groups of treatment refractory schizophrenics. The exact nature of clozapine's particular biological and neurochemical mechanism of action has not been clarified. This proposal will investigate one aspect of clozapine's particular profile, its antiserotonergic (5HT2)property, in the treatment of refractory schizophrenics. We will study the behavioral and hormonal response to a serotonergic agonist probe (methyl-chloro-phenylpiperazine (m-CPP)) in these patients during a drug free phase prior to treatment with clozapine and then again after six weeks of treatment with clozapine. This research should allow us to investigate whether there is a subgroup of refractory schizophrenics who show central serotonergic hypersensitivity as manifested by specific hormonal and behavioral responses to m-CPP and whether clozapine treatment can attenuate these responses. This research will also allow us to establish potential predictors of response to clozapine and extend our knowledge regarding the clinical and pharmacological effects of clozapine.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03MH049092-02
Application #
2248651
Study Section
Mental Health Small Grant Review Committee (MSM)
Project Start
1992-07-01
Project End
1995-06-30
Budget Start
1993-07-01
Budget End
1995-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009095365
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461
Lindenmayer, J P; Adityanjee; Vital-Herne, M et al. (1997) Heterogeneity of serotonergic response in treatment-refractory schizophrenia patients. Biol Psychiatry 42:6-12