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Review
. 2012 Sep;38(5):936-41.
doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbs012. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

D-cycloserine: an evolving role in learning and neuroplasticity in schizophrenia

Donald C Goff  1
Affiliations
Review

D-cycloserine: an evolving role in learning and neuroplasticity in schizophrenia

Donald C Goff. Schizophr Bull. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

As a partial agonist at the glycine site of the NMDA receptor, D-cycloserine (DCS) has been viewed as lacking potency to fully test the NMDA receptor hypofunction theory of schizophrenia. However, findings of full agonist activity at a subset of NMDA receptors that may have particular relevance to schizophrenia, plus a growing body of evidence demonstrating enhancement of learning and neuroplasticity in animal models, suggest novel therapeutic strategies with DCS in schizophrenia. Preliminary studies with once-weekly administration have supported this potential new role for DCS in schizophrenia by demonstrating benefit for negative symptoms, memory consolidation, and facilitation of cognitive behavioral therapy for delusions.

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