Novel Insight into Neuroimmunogenic Factors in the Etiology of Schizophrenia

Abstract

<P>Schizophrenia is a brain disease with a heterogeneous clinical expression positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. This presentation could reflect not only different etiological factors (ie, altered genetic expression, obstetric complications, neurotransmitter system and biochemical alterations, environmental influences, immunological abnormalities) but also a dysregulation among them. Numerous theories have been formulated and tested and continue to compete for supremacy as the essential explanation for why patients suffer from periodic episodes of psychotic symptoms, remissions, and typical declines in social and cognitive functions the schizophrenia syndrome.</P> <H4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</H4> <P>Dr. Borda is professor, Pharmacology Department, School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires, and fellow, Argentine National Research Council. Dr. Sterin-Borda is professor, Pharmacology Department, School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires, and senior investigator, Argentine National Research Council. </P> <P>Address reprint requests to: Leonor Sterin-Borda, MD, PhD, Catedra de Farmacologia, Facultad de Odontologia, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Marcelo T. de Alvear 2142 piso 4to. Sector B, 1122 Buenos Aires, Argentina; or e-mail: <a href="mailto:leo@farmaco.odon.uba.ar">leo@farmaco.odon.uba.ar</a>.</P> <P>The authors disclosed no relevant financial relationships.</P> <P>This article was supported by grant PIP 02531 from the Argentine National Research Council and grant UBACYT 015 from the University of Buenos Aires.</P>