New approaches in modelling and therapy of schizophrenia

Scientists at the MPI for Experimental Medicine developed a mouse model where they induce neurodegeneration in juvenile mice by stereotactic unilateral parietal cortical cryolesion. This procedure causes non-gliotic neurodegeneration and changes in plasticity comparable to schizophrenia which are all prevented by erythropoietin (EPO). Similarly, amelioration of cognition and deceleration of brain atrophy in schizophrenic patients is seen after a 12-week EPO treatment. Mechanistic explanation of cognitive improvement is delivered by EPO-induced increase in long term potentiation, an indicator of learning and memory.