Analysis of glutamatergic genes expression Grin1 and Gria1 in an animal model of schizophrenia - the SHR strain: possible implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease

• Grant number: 11/13099-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: November 01, 2011
• End date until: October 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Vanessa Costhek Abílio
• Grantee: Mariana Cepollaro Diana
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Schizophrenia is the most severe and disabling mental illness among psychiatric disorders. It has a genetic component triggered by environmental factors. However, the genetic basis of this disorder have not been fully elucidated, as well as the pathophysiology. The treatment is performed with the use of antipsychotic drugs block dopamine receptors D2 type. However, little is known about the actions of these drugs on gene expression. In this context, the objective of this study is the comparison of gene expression of Grin1 and Gria1 (glutamatergic NMDA and AMPA receptors, respectively) between the SHR strain - an animal model of schizophrenia - and Wistar (control rats) between treated and untreated animals; between animals of different treatments, and between central tissue (prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens) and peripheral (blood). We'll use four groups of adult male rats (n = 7) separated according to the treatment used (risperidone, haloperidol, clozapine and vehicle). The pattern of gene expression will be evaluated by Real Time PCR system using Taqman Ò detection. The results of this study will provide new data about the gene expression in relation to the psychopathology of the disease and also in relation to their treatment. Better knowledge of pathology and a possible identification of biological markers (genes) could, in future, provide an early therapeutic action and a better quality of life to the patients. (AU)