Gene expression profiles induced by amphetamine and phencyclidine; novel targets for the treatment of drug psychosis and schizophrenia

Although the aetiology of drug psychosis or schizophrenia is still unknown, molecular and biochemical researches have recently made significant advances in the search for the candidate genes of these disorders. Among such studies are animal models of drug psychosis or schizophrenia such as amphetamine-induced behavioural sensitisation or phencyclidine-treated animals. In this review, it is suggested that amphetamine or phencyclidine change the gene expressions related to cell damage/neuroplasticity. These alterable gene expressions may lead to the discovery for candidate genes of drug psychosis or schizophrenia and thus to novel antipsychotics.