The relationship among neuregulin 1-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT, psychosis proneness, and habituation of arousal in nonclinical individuals

Abstract

Background: Previous studies reported an association between weak habituation of skin conductance orienting response and psychosis proneness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among neuregulin 1 (NRG1)-stimulated AKT phosphorylation (a putative marker of psychosis), orienting response habituation, delusional ideas, anxiety, and depression in nonclinical individuals. Methods: One hundred twenty individuals participated in the skin conductance measurements. Weak and strong habituators were compared on measures of NRG1-stimulated AKT phosphorylation in B lymphoblasts, delusional ideas, anxiety, and depression. The predictors of delusional ideas were determined by multiple regression analysis. Results: Weak habituators displayed higher levels of delusional ideas/anxiety and a lower ratio of phosphorylated AKT as compared with strong habituators. There were 3 significant predictors of delusional ideas: decreased habituation, NRG1-induced AKT phosphorylation, and anxiety. Age, gender, education, IQ, and depression did not predict delusional ideas. Conclusions: These results suggest that decreased habituation of arousal, NRG1-induced AKT phosphorylation, and anxiety are related to delusional ideation in the general population. © 2010 The Author.