Imaging-Based Neurochemistry in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Implications for Dysfunctional Long-Term Potentiation

Cognitive deficits are commonly observed in patients with schizophrenia. Converging lines of evidence suggest that these deficits are associated with impaired long-term potentiation (LTP). In our systematic review, this hypothesis is evaluated using neuroimaging literature focused on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography. The review provides evidence for abnormal dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission in antipsychotic-naive/free patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. The review concludes with a model illustrating how these abnormalities could lead to impaired LTP in patients with schizophrenia and consequently cognitive deficits.