The specificity of platelet glutamate receptor sensitivity as a putative marker for schizophrenia

Abstract

Hypoglutamatergic function is implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, and supersensitivity of platelet N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors has been reported in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to examine the platelet glutamate receptor sensitivity in patients with schizophrenia as well as other psychotic conditions, and matched controls, in order to assess if this is a specific marker of schizophrenia or occurs in other psychotic conditions. Glutamate receptor sensitivity was assessed using the intracellular calcium response to glutamate measured with spectrofluorometry. The percentage responses to glutamate stimulation of the schizophrenic subjects and those with depression with psychotic features were significantly greater than control subjects (p<0.005). The mania with psychotic features group was not significantly different to controls. This data suggests that platelet glutamate receptors may be supersensitive in schizophrenia and depression with psychotic features. The platelet may be a possible peripheral marker of glutamate function in schizophrenia and depression with psychotic features.