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- Title
Cannabinoids Influence Lipid–Arachidonic Acid Pathways in Schizophrenia.
- Authors
Smesny, Stefan; Rosburg, Timm; Baur, Kati; Rudolph, Nicole; Sauer, Heinrich
- Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests modulating effects of cannabinoids on time of onset, severity, and outcome of schizophrenia. Efforts to discover the underlying pathomechanism have led to the assumption of gene × environment interactions, including premorbid genetical vulnerability and worsening effects of continuing cannabis use. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intake and niacin sensitivity in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Intensity of niacin skin flushing, indicating disturbed prostaglandin-mediated processes, was used as peripheral marker of lipid–arachidonic acid pathways and investigated in cannabis-consuming and nonconsuming schizophrenia patients and in healthy controls. Methylnicotinate was applied in three concentrations onto the forearm skin. Flush response was assessed in 3-min intervals over 15 min using optical reflection spectroscopy. In controls, skin flushing was significantly decreased in cannabis-consuming as compared to nonconsuming individuals. When comparing the nonconsuming subgroups, patients showed significantly decreased flush response. The populations as a whole (patients and controls) showed an inverse association between skin flushing and sum scores of Symptom Check List 90-R. Results demonstrate an impact of long-term cannabis use on lipid–arachidonic acid pathways. Considering pre-existing vulnerability of lipid metabolism in schizophrenia, observed effects of cannabis use support the notion of a gene × environment interaction.Neuropsychopharmacology (2007) 32, 2067–2073; doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1301343; published online 21 February 2007
- Subjects
CANNABINOIDS; LIPIDS; ARACHIDONIC acid; SCHIZOPHRENIA; NIACIN
- Publication
Neuropsychopharmacology, 2007, Vol 32, Issue 10, p2067
- ISSN
0893-133X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/sj.npp.1301343