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Article
May 1984

Apomorphine and Schizophrenia: Treatment, CSF, and Neuroendocrine Responses

Author Affiliations

From the Schizophrenia Biological Research Center, and the Medical Research Services, Bronx (NY) Veterans Administration Medical Center, and the Department of Psychiatry, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York (Drs Levy, Davis, Mohs, Kendler, Mathe, Horvath, and Davis); and the Montrose (NY) Veterans Administration Hospital (Dr Trigos). Dr Levy is currently with Nyack (NY) Hospital; Dr Kendler is now with the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond; Dr Mathe is now with the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm.

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1984;41(5):520-524. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1984.01790160106014
Abstract

• Previous studies have variably reported the efficacy of apomorphine in treatment of schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia. Stimulation of dopamine neuron autoreceptors is the presumed mode of action. Low-dose apomorphine (0.75 mg subcutaneously) and placebo were administered to 25 male schizophrenics to evaluate the drug's effect on psychotic and tardive dyskinetic symptoms. No significant improvement or deterioration was seen. Concomitant measurements of plasma prolactin and growth hormone levels and CSF homovanillic acid level indicated that the dose used was centrally active. These results indicate that an active though nonsedating dose of apomorphine does not ameliorate symptoms of schizophrenia or tardive dyskinesia.

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