Brain-derived neurotropic factor/TrkB signaling in the pathogenesis and novel pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia

Anilkumar Pillai

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

106 Scopus citations

Abstract

The role of neurotropins, predominantly brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), has been implicated in the pathophysiology as well as treatment outcome of schizophrenia. Both human and rodent studies indicate that the beneficial effects of antipsychotic drugs are mediated, at least in part, through BDNF and its receptor, TrkB. This review will discuss the available data on the levels of BDNF and TrkB in subjects with schizophrenia and in animals with and without conventional antipsychotics. The data concerning the impact of the antipsychotic drugs on BDNF/TrkB signaling will also be discussed. More importantly, this review will provide future perspective on BDNF/TrkB signaling as a novel molecular target to correct the pathogenesis and improve the long-term clinical outcome by treatments with conventional and adjunctive drugs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)183-193
Number of pages11
JournalNeuroSignals
Volume16
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brain-derived neurotropic factor
  • Schizophrenia
  • Treatment
  • TrkB

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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