OBJECTIVE: The relationship between CSF neurotensin concentrations and
measures of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia or
schizoaffective disorder was examined before and after treatment with
antipsychotic drugs. METHOD: CSF neurotensin concentrations were measured
in 42 drug-free patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
For 18 of these patients, CSF neurotensin was measure again after 4 weeks
of antipsychotic treatment. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of
pretreatment psychopathology were observed in the patients with the lowest
CSF neurotensin concentrations. Furthermore, improvements in overall
psychopathology and, particularly, negative symptoms were correlated with
increases in CSF neurotensin concentrations during treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
These findings provide further evidence for a role of neurotensin the
pathophysiology of psychosis and in the mechanism of action of
antipsychotic drugs.Abstract Teaser