Attempts to analyze schizophrenia in terms of dopamine hyperactivity in the past have led to disappointing results. This article focuses on the NMDA glutamate transmitter system instead. This study combines findings from neurotoxic and psychotomimetic effects of PCP and NMDA antagonist drugs. Testing the strengths and weaknesses of this hypothesis will analyze its testing results and therapeutic implications. 

Abstract of hypofunction receptor model of schizophrenia

The hypothesis of this article states that NMDAR hypofunction (NRHypo) may be a model for a disease mechanism that may explain the course and conditions of schizophrenia. This hypothesis questions whether the disease mechanism involves downstream effects/dysfunction of the NMDA receptor (can be modeled by preventing the activation of NMDA receptors). 

University of Illinois at Chicago

A neurological disease (and an autoimmune disease) where the body forms antibodies against the brain's NMDA receptors. The antibodies produced disrupt normal brain activity, causing swelling in the brain (encephalitis). Some patients also have a tumor that is correlated with this disease; most commonly an ovarian teratoma. Symptoms of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis are as follows: behavior (hallucinations, paranoia), cognition, speech disorder, memory deficit, movement disorder (abnormal movements), seizures, autonomic dysfunction, and loss of consciousness. It is not known exactly what causes this disease, but it is likely environmental and genetic factors that can cause individuals to be more susceptible to this disease. 

anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Corso, T. D., & Farber, N. B., et al., (1999, November 29). NMDA receptor hypofunction model of schizophrenia. Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395699000291#:~:text=When%20the%20NMDA%20receptors%20in,hyperstimulate%20the%20primary%20corticolimbic%20neurons.

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