Phencyclidine/schizophrenia: One view toward the past, the other to the future

Abstract

The history of the chemical synthesis and animal/human pharmacology of phencyclidine is documented. From its early use as a general anesthetic, chemical model of schizophrenia, and drug of abuse, phencyclidine has had a checkered history. Research with this agent and its chemical derivatives like ketamine have provided a solid foundation for just a beginning to understanding the neuropathology of schizophrenia. © 2012 The Author.