What Interferes with Inhibitory Functions in the Prefrontal Cortex in Schizophrenia?

Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia have been linked to altered synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These receptors enhance both phasic and tonic inhibitory functions. To better understand potential deficits in these functions in schizophrenia, investigators studied messenger RNA expression patterns of GABA_A receptor α4 and δ subunits in postmortem PFC specimens from 23 subjects with schizophrenia and 23 comparison subjects.

In the dorsolateral PFC area 9, levels of δ mRNA were significantly lower in schizophrenia subjects, regardless of medication use, than in controls. In contrast, α4 mRNA levels were lower only in schizophrenia subjects who were taking benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, or …