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The behavioral and neurochemical effects of phencyclidine in humans and animals: some implications for modeling psychosis.

R E Steinpreis

Behavioural brain research January 1, 1996 DOI: 10.1016/0166-4328(95)00162-x via PubMed

Summary

AI-generated from the abstract

Phencyclidine (PCP) produces a psychotic reaction in humans that closely resembles an acute episode of schizophrenia, making it a valuable model for the disorder. This review examines the behavioral and neurochemical effects of PCP in both humans and animals, comparing them with those of amphetamine where possible. It discusses the roles of dopamine and NMDA/PCP receptors in mediating PCP-induced psychosis and emphasizes the importance of selecting behavioral models that capture the expression of psychosis rather than just the motor effects of psychotomimetic drugs.

Study at a glance

Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Key finding PCP-induced psychosis closely resembles acute schizophrenia and involves both dopamine and NMDA/PCP receptor mechanisms.

Abstract

Phencyclidine (PCP) produces a psychotic reaction in humans which closely resembles an acute episode of schizophrenia and has therefore been given an increasing amount of attention as a model for schizophrenia. The present article reviews the behavioral and neurochemical effects of PCP in both humans and animals. Where possible, comparisons are made between the effects of PCP and amphetamine. The merits of the dopamine versus NMDA/PCP receptor mediated expression of PCP-induced psychosis are discussed, as well as the importance of selecting behavioral models which are best suited to model the expression of psychosis, rather than the motor effects of psychotomimetics.

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