A new neurotransmitter comes into the
picture
When talking about schizophrenia, dopamine
is usually mentioned as the most important signal substance in the
patophysiology of the disease. This neurotransmitter is widespread
in the brain and has a number of important functions. In those patients
who suffer from schizophrenia, the dopamine signaling does not work
as it is supposed to. Most medications against schizophrenia are
also targeted at the binding sites in the brain to which the dopamine
binds.
 Especially
during the last decade, a great deal of the focus of schizophrenia
research has come to be directed also towards other neurotransmitters
besides dopamine. Serotonin, as well as GABA (gamma amino butyric
acid) and glutamate, have for instance all been shown to be involved
in the course of the disease. One group of neurotransmitters that
has not received particularly much attention in this context is
the opioid peptides. These substances, to which belong for example
the endorphins and the enkephalins, are endogenous substances, that
is, they are naturally produced in the body. The opioid peptides
were discovered during studies of the natural substances the opiaties,
such as morphine and opium. A common factor for opiates and opioides
is that they act as analgesics (pain relievers) and induce a feeling
of euphoria.
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