The Effects of Amphetamines on Schizophrenia

Akhtar , M , Uma , D , Ali , A , Pillai , K .K Vohora , D (2006 Antipsychotic-like Pro of thioperamide a selective H3-receptor antagonist in mice . Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology , 20 , 373-378

Researchers and clinicians have come up with enough evidence in their studies and practice that posit the central role played by the histaminergic systems in pathogenesis of schizophrenia . Schizophrenia is a medical condition that affects nearly 1 of the human population In recent times there has been an increase in research activity that seeks to develop a clear understanding of its condition with a

large number of antipsychotic medications being developed

Thoperamide has an inhibitory effect on amphetamine-induced hyperactivity this is a finding that has been documented by both medical workers and researchers . It is worth noting that reversal of amphetamine is a routine used as a screening tool in assessing the antispsychotic effect of a compound . The study in which mice are involved show that THP does not affect locomotor activity of mice though it plays a significant role in reducing amphetamine induced locomotor activity . Increase in the level of histamine due to the effects of THP is attributed this effect which may in fact be a reflection of the effect that it has in reducing the levels of dopamine . The research finding postulate the antipsychotic affects that THP has in mice Though the observation may be a result of other factors for instance pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics interaction the effects that it has on apomorphine induced and amphetamine-induced locomotor activity is suggestive of an interaction that is at the pharmacodyanamic level . A gap that is pointed out by the study irrespective of its findings is that a biochemical relationship of the effects of THP and amphetamine-induced locomotion should be developed before such intervention can be used in effective management of schizophrenia...