Effects of haloperidol on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in schizophrenic patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies had reported that serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were decreased in chronic schizophrenic patients [Toyooka et al., 2002]. Recent evidence suggests that BDNF might be involved in antipsychotic action in the central nervous system, and some researchers have reported that prolonged treatment with haloperidol significantly down-regulates hippocampal BDNF protein level. However, it is unknown whether this antipsychotic drug has the similar effect on the peripheral system. In this study, we attempted to investigate the potential effect of haloperidol on patient’s serum BDNF level. METHODS: A case control study was performed on 22 chronic schizophrenic patients, under haloperidol treatment, and 22 normal controls, age and sex matched. BDNF level was measured by two site enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) method. No differences were found in the BDNF level between patients (41.46F10.72 ng/ml) and controls (38.41F7.55 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: Further research is under way to more fully understand the effect of drug treatment on serum BDNF levels and whether drug treatment normalizes serum BDNF levels.