Microtubule-associated STOP protein deletion triggers restricted changes in dopaminergic neurotransmission.: Accumbic DA system in STOP KO mice

International audienceThe microtubule-associated stable tubule only polypeptide (STOP) protein plays a key-role in neuron architecture and synaptic plasticity. Recent studies suggest that schizophrenia is associated with alterations in the synaptic connectivity. Mice invalidated for the STOP gene display phenotype reminiscent of some schizophrenic-like symptoms, such as behavioral disturbances, dopamine (DA) hyper-reactivity, and possible hypoglutamatergia, partly improved by antipsychotic treatment. In the present work, we examined potential alterations in some DAergic key proteins and behaviors in STOP knockout mice. Whereas the densities of the DA transporter, the vesicular monoamine transporter and the D(1) receptor were not modified, the densities of the D(2) and D(3) receptors were decreased in some DAergic regions in mutant versus wild-type mice. Endogenous DA levels were selectively decreased in DAergic terminals areas, although the in vivo DA synthesis was diminished both in cell bodies and terminal areas. The DA uptake was decreased in accumbic synaptosomes, but not significantly altered in striatal synaptosomes. Finally, STOP knockout mice were hypersensitive to acute and subchronic locomotor effects of cocaine, although the drug equally inhibited DA uptake in mutant and wild-type mice. Altogether, these data showed that deletion of the ubiquitous STOP protein elicited restricted alterations in DAergic neurotransmission, preferentially in the meso-limbic pathway

Current quality of life and its determinants among opiate-dependent individuals five years after starting methadone treatment

This study explores the current QoL of opiate-dependent individuals who started outpatient methadone treatment at least 5 years ago and assesses the influence of demographic, psychosocial, drug and health-related variables on individuals' QoL. Participants (n = 159) were interviewed about their current QoL, psychological distress and severity of drug-related problems, using the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile, the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Addiction Severity Index. Potential determinants of QoL were assessed in a multiple linear regression analysis. Five years after the start of methadone treatment, opiate-dependent individuals report low QoL scores on various domains. No association was found between drug-related variables and QoL, but a significant negative impact of psychological distress was identified. Severity of psychological distress, taking medication for psychological problems and the inability to change one's living situation were associated with lower QoL. Having at least one good friend and a structured daily activity had a significant, positive impact on QoL. Opiate-dependent individuals' QoL is mainly determined by their psychological well-being and a number of psychosocial variables. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to treatment and support in methadone maintenance treatment, which goes beyond fixing the negative physical consequences of opiate dependence

The effects of integrated treatment with atypical antipsychotics and social cognition training on functional outcome

Social cognition is impaired in patients with schizophrenia [1]. This impairment is one of the core features of the illness and has a clear impact on functional outcome.While conventional antipsychotics might have a worsening effect on social cognition, e.g. on amygdala attenuation in fMRI studies on facial recognition [2], atypical antipsychotics might not show this effect [3].Social cognitive training [4] – such as the training of affect recognition [5] – is a promising approach in the treatment of schizophrenia.Holistic strategies including both treatment with atypical antipsychotics and social cognitive training can improve functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia [6].Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.</jats:sec

Validation of the German Version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) – Preliminary Results

AbstractThe German version of the BACS showed high test-retest reliability. Sensitivity and specificity scores demonstrated good ability to differentiate between patients and controls. The study suggests that the German Version of the BACS is a useful scale to evaluate cognitive functioning.</jats:p

The role of cognition in the psychopathology of schizophrenia: Assessment and treatment options

Cognitive dysfunction is a characteristic feature of patients with schizophrenia. Traditionally, the main distinction between “dementia praecox” and “manic-depressive insanity” was in fact the cognitive outcome during the course of the disease [1].For the assessment of cognitive dysfunction both large, detailed instruments [2] and brief screening scales for quick and multiple use [3,4] are available.Recently, the role of social cognition has been thoroughly examined showing differential effects [5].Treatment of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia comprises adherence to a therapy with atypical antipsychotics as well as specific treatment programs for cognitive [6] and social cognitive [7,8] dysfunction.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.</jats:sec