A Theory of Neuronal Malfunction in Schizophrenia
JACQUES S. GOTTLIEB M.D.1,
CHARLES E. FROHMAN PH.D.2, , and
PETER G. S. BECKETT M.D.3
1 Director, Lafayette Clinic, 951 E. Lafayette, Detroit, Mich. 48207, professor and chairman, department of psychiatry, Wayne State University
2 Associate director, head, biochemistry laboratories, Lafayette Clinic, 951 E. Lafayette, Detroit, Mich. 48207, assistant professor, department of biochemistry, Wayne State University
3 Lafayette Clinic, 951 E. Lafayette, Detroit, Mich. 48207, professor, department of psychiatry, Wayne State University
A considerable amount of biological research into schizophrenia, mainly upon blood fluids, is performed throughout the world. The authors report their latest findings on a plasma protein factor and relate these findings to other domestic research and to recent research in other nations, particularly the Soviet Union. They hypothesize that a malcontrolled blood protein contributes to the genesis of schizophrenia by selectively altering neuronal permeability to precursors of important neurotransmitters; if this occurs, it would disrupt information processing in the brain.
