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The nicotinergic receptor as a target for cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia: Barking up the wrong tree?

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Abstract

Rationale

Cognitive symptoms have increasingly been recognized as an important target in the development of future treatment strategies in schizophrenia. The nicotinergic neurotransmission system has been suggested as a potentially interesting treatment target for these cognitive deficits. However, previous research yielded conflicting results, which may be explained by several methodological limitations, such as the failure to include both a group of smoking and non-smoking schizophrenic patients, the use of only a single nicotine dose, and the inclusion of a very limited cognitive battery.

Objectives

The present study aims at investigating the cognitive effects of nicotine in schizophrenia while addressing these methodological issues.

Methods

In a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover design, cognitive effects are assessed in smoking (n = 16) and non-smoking (n = 16) schizophrenic patients after receiving active (1 or 2 mg) or placebo oromucosal nicotine spray.

Results

A modest improving effect of nicotine on attention in the smoking but not the non-smoking group was found. No enhancing effects were found on measures of visual memory, working memory, processing speed, psychomotor speed, or social cognitive functioning in either patient group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the nicotinic receptor only has limited value as a cognitive treatment target in schizophrenia.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Flemish Institute for Industrial Science and Technology (IWT) and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Belgium.

Conflict of interest

Peter de Boer and Maarten Timmers are full-time employees of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. The other authors have no employment in this or other pharmaceutical companies, but the study was funded by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Belgium.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium

    C. Quisenaerts, M. Morrens, W. Hulstijn, E. de Bruijn, J. De la Asuncion, G. Dumont & B. Sabbe

  2. Psychiatric Center Brothers Alexians, Provinciesteenweg 408, 2530, Boechout, Belgium

    M. Morrens

  3. University Leiden, Arsenaalstraat 1, 2311, CT, Leiden, The Netherlands

    E. de Bruijn

  4. Janssen Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium

    M. Timmers & J. Streffer

  5. University Psychiatric Center St Norbertushuis, Stationstraat 22c, 2570, Duffel, Belgium

    G. Dumont & B. Sabbe

Authors
  1. C. Quisenaerts
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  2. M. Morrens
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  3. W. Hulstijn
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  4. E. de Bruijn
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  5. M. Timmers
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  6. J. Streffer
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  7. J. De la Asuncion
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  8. G. Dumont
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  9. B. Sabbe
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Morrens.

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Quisenaerts, C., Morrens, M., Hulstijn, W. et al. The nicotinergic receptor as a target for cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia: Barking up the wrong tree?. Psychopharmacology 231, 543–550 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3264-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3264-9

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