The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Spatial Working Memory in Patients With Schizophrenia - Pilot Study
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2016-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Spatial working memory (ability to remember where objects are in space) is impaired in
patients with schizophrenia. It is thought that this impairment occurs due to problems with
the chemical messenger (neurotransmitter), glutamate, and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
glutamate receptor, particularly in the hippocampal brain region. NMDA receptor activation
leads to increases in the release of the second messenger Nitric Oxide. Impaired NMDA
receptor function would therefore be predicted to lead to reductions in Nitric Oxide
production. Recent work suggests that a drug, sodium nitroprusside, which releases nitric
oxide, enhances some aspects of cognition in schizophrenia (specifically related to negative
symptoms). In this study, the investigators will test the hypothesis that sodium
nitroprusside improves spatial working memory in patients with schizophrenia. 15 patients
will receive sodium nitroprusside, and 15 will receive a nonactive compound (placebo). Their
performance on a spatial working memory task will be tested before and after administration
of sodium nitroprusside or placebo.