Abstract
To test the hypothesis that clozapine-induced reduction of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) expression is mediated by astrocytes, we studied the effects of clozapine on Glu transporters and Glu uptake in primary astrocyte cultures of the cerebral cortex. Astrocyte cultures treated for 48 h with clozapine exhibited a reduction in GLT-1 levels of about 50%, whereas glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST) levels remained unchanged. Glu uptake was also lowered, and this reduction was dose-dependent. Our findings indicate that clozapine reduces GLT-1 expression and function by a mechanism that directly involves astrocytes. A better understanding of the molecular events by which antipsychotics regulate Glu uptake can contribute to identify new targets for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 276-279 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | GLIA |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2005 |
Keywords
- Antipsychotics
- Astrocytes
- Glutamate transport
- Schizophrenia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology