Loss of function of glial gap junctions may cause severe cognitive impairments in schizophrenia

A generalized cognitive deficit is at the core of schizophrenia. It is hypothesized that a loss of function of glial gap junctions may cause severe cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Glial gap junctions are electrical channels that may register the neuronal activation frequencies of glial-neuronal compartments by generating gap junction plaques. The various proteins (connexins) of gap junctions may be capable to differentiate between the operation qualities of the cognate synapses defined by the neurotransmitter types. Thus, the brain is capable of distinguishing between different cognitive qualities (domains or categories). If the function of glial gap junction proteins is lost, the brain is incapable to distinguish between same and different qualities of information processing. Dependent on the brain regions affected, this disorder may be responsible for severe cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Finally, general approaches for testing the hypothesis are outlined. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.