Biochemistry and the schizophrenias.

Abstract

This paper reviews the present status of the transmethylation and the dopamine hypotheses of schizophrenia and presents recent data on the definitive identification and measurement of the endogenous hallucinogen, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in human cerebrospinal fluid and urine. Elevated levels are found in some cases of schizophrenia and of liver disease. Evidence is discussed showing that DMT may be a normal neuroregulatory agent which is responsive to stress or emotional reactions.