Leandro B. Bergantin* Pages 3326 - 3331 ( 6 )
Background: Considering a consistent body of evidence has been showing that schizophrenia patients have had an increased risk of developing dementia. The hypothesis that dementia and schizophrenia share a complex link, is emerging. It is highly discussed that dysregulations related to Ca2+ signalling, e.g., an increase of the intracellular concentration of Ca2+, could link both diseases, in addition to cAMP signalling pathways.
Objective: Thus, revealing this interplay between schizophrenia and dementia may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Methods: Publications involving Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways, dementia and schizophrenia (alone or combined) were collected by searching PubMed and EMBASE.
Results: Both Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways (Ca2+/cAMP signalling) control the release of neurotransmitters/ hormones and neuronal death, and dysregulations of these cellular processes may be involved in both diseases.
Conclusion: Bearing in mind the experience of our group in this field, this article debated the involvement of Ca2+/cAMP signalling in this link between schizophrenia and dementia, including its pharmacological implications.
Schizophrenia, dementia, Ca2+/cAMP signalling, Ca2+ channel blockers, pharmacotherapy, neurodegeneration.
Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669 - Vila Clementino, Sao Paulo