Schizophrenia Mouse Model Should Improve Understanding and Treatment of the Disorder

Scientists have created what appears to be a schizophrenic mouse by reducing the inhibition of brain cells involved in complex reasoning and decisions about appropriate social behavior.

Findings by Medical College of Georgia scientists, published Dec. 28 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, elucidate the critical balance between excitation and inhibition of these cells that appears to go awry in schizophrenia. They also provide the first animal model for studying the disabling psychiatric disorder that affects about 1 percent of the population.

"We believe the mouse, which exhibits some of the same aberrant behavior as patients with this disorder, will help identify better therapies," said Dr. Lin Mei, a developmental neurobiologist who directs MCG's Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics. "We are doing testing to see if antipsychotic drugs already on the market are effective in treating the mouse."

MCG scientists made the mouse by deleting a candidate gene for schizophrenia, ErbB4, from interneurons, which are brain cells that help shower larger decision-making neurons, called pyramidal cells, with inhibition.

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Schering-Plough Gets FDA Approval for Saphris

Schering-Plough Corp.'s new drug for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Saphris, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The pill, taken twice a day, is the first mind-altering medication to get simultaneous approval for treating both conditions, but it will face significant competition in a crowded market.

For now, it is only specifically approved for short-term use for acute problems, such as when patients have a psychotic episode. However, the drug's label, or detailed package insert, recommends patients responding well to Saphris should continue on it.

Kenilworth, N.J.-based Schering-Plough has completed some studies and is finishing up others on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the drug, spokesman Robert Consalvo said Friday. The company plans to eventually seek official approval for ''maintenance treatment.''

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