D-Serine, A Potential Schizophrenia Treatment, May Guide Some Early Brain Development

D-serine, a stimulator of activity at certain types of receptors in brain cells, has been tested as a new type of treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Recently published research suggests it may be important for building up the brain circuitry that helps people filter out unnecessary information. According to a study in the May 26th issue of Molecular Psychiatry, the findings could help scientists learn whether a lack of D-serine in newborns might lead to schizophrenia symptoms in adulthood.

The scientists suggest that a shortage of D-serine might reduce the activity of NMDA receptors in newborn mice (and people), which in turn could prevent their brains from building up important neural connections that control some of the behaviors seen in schizophrenia and perhaps other disorders.

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https://bbrfoundation.org/brain-matters-discoveries/d-serine-a-potential-schizophrenia-treatment-may-guide-some-early-brain

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