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A number of compounds aimed at improving cognition in schizophrenia have failed to demonstrate efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trials. Translational studies using biomarkers in surrogate populations, such as schizotypy, could be used to assess the efficacy of novel compounds. In this study, we aimed to validate the sensitivity and inter-site reliability of cognitive biomarkers (working memory (N-back), spatial working memory (SWM) and verbal fluency (VF) tasks) to detect the schizotypy phenotype and its reversal by psychotropic drugs. Healthy volunteers scoring high or average on a schizotypal personality measure (122 in each group) were randomized to receive a single dose of risperidone, amisulpride, nicotine or placebo in a double-blind, between-subject design. We found evidence for a poorer performance on N-back and VF tasks in the high schizotypy group, replicating previous research. This effect was counteracted by amisulpride on N-back: it improved working memory in high schizotypy group but impaired the controls. A similar pattern was seen in SWM and VF. We interpret this finding in the light of the dopamine enhancing action of amisulpride when given in low doses. In contrast, risperidone impaired both groups and nicotine had a beneficial effect for the low baseline performers only. These effects were consistent across sites. These data demonstrates the utility of biomarkers in detecting the effect of schizotypy and its reversal by drugs that enhance dopamine and cholinergic function. Studies using similar design could help the early assessment of potential of compounds designed to improve cognition in schizophrenia.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.10.005

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol

Publication Date

07/2012

Volume

22

Pages

469 - 481

Keywords

Adult, Analysis of Variance, Biomarkers, Cognition Disorders, Double-Blind Method, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Neuropsychological Tests, Nootropic Agents, Personality Inventory, Reproducibility of Results, Risperidone, Schizotypal Personality Disorder, Sulpiride, Surveys and Questionnaires, United Kingdom, Verbal Behavior, Young Adult