The role of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission in delusional thinking

• Autores: Caton, Michael; Ochoa, Enrique L. M.; Barrantes, Francisco José
• Año de publicación: 2020
• Idioma: inglés
• Tipo de recurso: artículo
• Fuente: Schizophrenia. 2020, 6(16)
• Materia: MEDICINA; PSIQUIATRIA; DELIRIO; NEUROTRANSMISORES; TRATAMIENTO MEDICO
• Institución: Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina

Fil: Caton, Michael. Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Santa Rosa. Department of Psychiatry; Estados Unidos
Fil: Caton, Michael. Heritage Oaks Hospital; Estados Unidos
Fil: Ochoa, Enrique L. M. Heritage Oaks Hospital; Estados Unidos
Fil: Ochoa, Enrique L. M. University of California. Clinical Faculty. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Estados Unidos
Fil: Barrantes, Francisco José. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular; Argentina
Fil: Barrantes, Francisco José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina
Abstract: Delusions are a difficult-to-treat and intellectually fascinating aspect of many psychiatric illnesses. Although scientific progress on this complex topic has been challenging, some recent advances focus on dysfunction in neural circuits, specifically in those involving dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Here we review the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in delusions, with a focus on nicotinic receptors, which are known to play a part in some illnesses where these symptoms appear, including delirium, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, Parkinson, Huntington, and Alzheimer diseases. Beginning with what we know about the emergence of delusions in these illnesses, we advance a hypothesis of cholinergic disturbance in the dorsal striatum where nicotinic receptors are operative. Striosomes are proposed to play a central role in the formation of delusions. This hypothesis is consistent with our current knowledge about the mechanism of action of cholinergic drugs and with our abstract models of basic cognitive mechanisms at the molecular and circuit levels. We conclude by pointing out the need for further research both at the clinical and translational levels.