Author
G. W. Roberts
Bio: G. W. Roberts is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Basal ganglia & Putamen. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 31 citations.
Topics: Basal ganglia, Putamen, Striatum, Globus pallidus
Papers
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TL;DR: The level of Gi/Go was significantly decreased by 42% in the putamen of the left hemisphere in schizophrenics; caudate head and globus pallidus levels were unchanged.
Abstract: We detected the existence of Gi (the inhibitory G-protein) or Go (a similar G-protein of unknown function) in the striatum of control and schizophrenic brains utilizing pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP ribosylation. The level of Gi/Go was significantly decreased by 42% in the putamen of the left hemisphere in schizophrenics; caudate head and globus pallidus levels were unchanged. Decreased Gi or Go may underlie enhanced dopamine function in the schizophrenic brain.
31 citations
Cited by
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TL;DR: The author reviews the literature dealing with G protein coupling to second messenger generation, the role of G protein in regulating both the convergence and divergence of neurotransmitter action in the CNS, and the involvement of G proteins in a variety of clinical conditions, with an emphasis on psychiatric conditions and their treatments.
Abstract: There is mounting evidence that a family of guanosine triphosphate binding proteins (G proteins) play an obligatory role in the transduction of a vast array of extracellular, receptor-detected signals across cell membranes to intracellular effectors. The author reviews the literature dealing with G protein coupling to second messenger generation, the role of G proteins in regulating both the convergence and divergence of neurotransmitter action in the CNS, and the involvement of G proteins in a variety of clinical conditions, with an emphasis on psychiatric conditions and their treatments. G proteins from the basis of signal integration in the CNS, endowing the neuron with a large degree of functional diversity. Abnormalities in the function and/or expression of G proteins have been implicated in a variety of pathophysiologic states, and a number of currently available psychotropic drugs affect G proteins. The understanding of the mechanisms by which G proteins modulate neuronal activity may be one of the keys to understanding the functioning and the complexities of the nervous system. Given their widespread, critical roles in the regulation of neuronal function, it seems likely that G proteins are involved in the pathophysiology of various major psychiatric illnesses. The development of novel, site-specific drugs with primary G protein targets remains an exciting prospect for the future.
172 citations
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TL;DR: In this review, evidence from both basic science and clinical research implicating disturbances in postreceptor signal transduction in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of AD and SCZ is evaluated.
Abstract: Until recently, research on the neurochemical basis of affective disorders (AD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) focused on detecting postulated disturbances in presynaptic neurotransmitter release and metabolism, or postsynaptic receptor function. New insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the propagation of neurotransmitter signals across biological membranes and in the regulation of neuronal responses have allowed the development of novel hypotheses, which may explain the altered postsynaptic neuroreceptor responsivity thought to be integral to the pathophysiology of these disorders. In this review we evaluate evidence from both basic science and clinical research implicating disturbances in postreceptor signal transduction in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of AD and SCZ. Specific findings regarding potential postreceptor sites of pathophysiology are highlighted in each of these disorders, together with the growing body of data on the possible postreceptor loci of psychotropic drug action, especially lithium and antidepressants.
144 citations
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TL;DR: It is suggested that measurable D4 receptor binding in the caudate nucleus is more frequent in patients with schizophrenia as compared with normal controls and subjects with major depression and that guanine nucleotides do not enhance [3H]raclopride binding in schizophrenia.
119 citations
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TL;DR: A model is proposed that postulates a developmental lesion affecting the midline neurotransmitter-specific ascending projection systems that is one parsimonious, and testable, explanation for virtually all the clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings reported to date in schizophrenia research.
111 citations
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TL;DR: This review summarizes some of the advances in Go research and proposes areas to be further addressed in exploring the functional role of Go.
Abstract: Go is the most abundant G protein in the central nervous system, where it comprises about 1% of membrane protein in mammalian brains. It functions to couple cell surface receptors to intercellular effectors, which is a critical process for cells to receive, interpret and respond to extracellular signals. Go protein belongs to the pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/Go subfamily of G proteins. A number of G-protein-coupled receptors transmit stimuli to intercellular effectors through Go. Go regulates several cellular effectors, including ion channels, enzymes, and even small GTPases to modulate cellular function. This review summarizes some of the advances in Go research and proposes areas to be further addressed in exploring the functional role of Go.
97 citations