In spite of the numerous studies on schizophrenia, its etiology and physiopathology remain unknown. Evidence suggests a possible implication of nitric oxide (NO) in schizophrenia. NO is a gas with unique chemistry and influences the release of neurotransmitters, learning, memory and neurodevelopment. Recent studies that investigated the role of NO in patients with schizophrenia found evidence that points to a disruption in NO-mediated neurotransmission in schizophrenia. Accordingly, we believe that the administration of sodium nitroprusside, an NO donor, will ameliorate schizophrenia symptoms.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
20
Intravenous infusion of 0,5 mcg/kg/min for 240 minutes
Intravenous infusion of glucose solution 5% for 240 minutes
University General Hospital of the Ribeirao Preto Medical School
Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
Change in BPRS score
Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
Time frame: baseline and up to 4 weeks
Change in PANSS negative subscale score
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
Time frame: Every hour for 4 hours, then at +12h, then daily for 7 days, then weekly for 4 weeks
Cognitive assessment
FAS, 2-back, Stroop Color Word Test
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 h
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