Figures & data
Figure 1 Microglia hypothesis of schizophrenia.
Notes: Stress events, damage-associated molecular patterns and pathogen-associated molecular patterns activate microglia in the central nervous system. Over-activated microglia release pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. These mediators cause neuronal degeneration, white matter abnormalities and decreased neurogenesis, which eventually lead to the occurrence of schizophrenia. The appropriate control of microglial activation may thus be a promising therapeutic target for schizophrenia. Minocycline is a potent inhibitor of microglial activation and has a neuroprotective capacity. These properties of minocycline may be useful for the treatment in schizophrenia.
Abbreviations: IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; IFN, interferon; NO, nitric oxide; O2−, superoxide.
Abbreviations: IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; IFN, interferon; NO, nitric oxide; O2−, superoxide.
