Dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone alterations in schizophrenia

Abstract

Neurosteroids such as pregnenolone (PREG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and their sulfates (PREGS and DHEAS) are reported to have amodulatory effect on neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. They also have many other functions associated with response to stress, mood regulation and cognitive performance. Furthermore, these neurosteroids have been linked to, and their levels are altered in neuropsychiatric disorders. This chapter pays special attention to alterations of these neurosteroids in schizophrenia and in particular to their association with the clinical and neurocognitive manifestations. The authors also provide substantial information on the metabolism, mode of action of PREG and DHEA, and hope that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of these neurosteroids in schizophrenia. The chapter concludes with a list of topics for suggested future research directions. © 2008 Springer Netherlands.