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Targeting Retinoid Receptors to Treat Schizophrenia: Rationale and Progress to Date

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Abstract

This review provides the rationale and reports on the progress to date regarding the targeting of retinoid receptors for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and the role of retinoic acid in functions of the normal brain, and in psychotic states. After a brief introduction, we describe the normal function of retinoic acid in the brain. We then examine the evidence regarding retinoid dysregulation in schizophrenia. Finally, findings from two add-on clinical trials with a retinoid (bexarotene) are discussed. The authors of this review suggest that targeting retinoid receptors may be a novel approach to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Further studies are warranted.

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Acknowledgments

The author thanks Rena Kurs B. A. (Sha’ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Israel) for editing this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health Sciences, Be’er Sheva Mental Health Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel

    Vladimir Lerner

  2. Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK

    Peter J. A. McCaffery

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

    Michael S. Ritsner

  4. Sha’ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Mobile Post Hefer, 37806, Hadera, Israel

    Michael S. Ritsner

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  1. Vladimir Lerner
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  2. Peter J. A. McCaffery
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Correspondence to Michael S. Ritsner.

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Vladimir Lerner, Peter J. A. McCaffery, and Michael S. Ritsner declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Lerner, V., McCaffery, P.J.A. & Ritsner, M.S. Targeting Retinoid Receptors to Treat Schizophrenia: Rationale and Progress to Date. CNS Drugs 30, 269–280 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-016-0316-9

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