The blood brain barrier and the role of ratiometric molecular analysis in schizophrenia.

Abstract

The etiology of schizophrenia and other chronic psychotic disorders is complicated considering the multifactorial contribution of developmental, biological, and environmental factors. The role of the blood brain barrier has not yet been established as part of schizophrenia etiology; however, in previous blood brain barrier articles, we discussed potential consequences of various biological abnormalities due to dysregulation of molecular components, such as cofactors,(1) signaling molecules,(2) enzymes,(3) cytokines,(4) and antibodies.(5) In this review, we will discuss the potential use of peripheral ratiometric molecular analysis relevant to the central nervous system for the evaluation of the development of schizophrenia.