The Glutamate Hypothesis

Glutamate

Glutamate is another neurotransmitter implicated in the symptoms of schizophrenia.

• The glutamate model is again based upon the observed effects of the antagonists to the receptor of the proposed culprit.
• Recreational drugs such as ketamine and phenylcyclidine (“angel dust”) block NMDA glutamate receptors and cause states of psychosis similar to those seen in schizophrenia, suggesting that symptoms cannot be explained fully with a single dopamine model.
• However, it has been proposed that such action at NMDA receptors can cause an increased number of D2 receptors present in the brain. This may imply that different pathways for the symptoms of the disorder converge on the D2 receptor.