Increased Antibodies for the α7 Subunit of the Nicotinic Receptor in Schizophrenia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2009
Description
One of the etiological theories of schizophrenia is dysregulation of the immune system. Autoantibodies specific for the α7 subunit of the nicotinic receptor could potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. In this study, positive antibodies specific for the receptor were found to exist in 23% of the patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 21). On the average, levels for the antibody were elevated in the schizophrenia patient population than in controls. The data also suggests that there is a significant correlation between antibody titer and age, lending support to the neurodegenerative nature of the disease.
Citation Information
Chandley, Michelle J.; Miller, Merry N.; Kwasigroch, Christine Newell; Wilson, Tracy D.; and Miller, Barney E.. 2009. Increased Antibodies for the α7 Subunit of the Nicotinic Receptor in Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research. Vol.109(1-3). 98-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2009.01.023 PMID: 19243919 ISSN: 0920-9964