Impacts of exposure to and subsequent discontinuation of clozapine on tripartite synaptic transmission

Abstract

Background and PurposeClozapine is an effective antipsychotic for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia, but its discontinuation leads to discontinuation syndrome/catatonia complicated by benzodiazepine‐resistance and rhabdomyolysis.Experimental ApproachThis study determined time‐dependent effects of exposure and subsequent discontinuation of clozapine on expression of connexin43, 5‐HT receptors, intracellular L‐β‐aminoisobutyrate (L‐BAIBA) and 2nd‐messengers and signalling of AMPK, PP2A and Akt in cultured astrocytes and rat frontal cortex.Key ResultsIntracellular L‐BAIBA levels increased during clozapine exposure but immediately recovered after discontinuation. Both exposure to clozapine and L‐BAIBA increased connexin43 and signalling of AMPK/Akt time‐dependently, but reduced PP2A signalling, 5‐HT receptor expression and IP3 level. These changes recovered within 2 weeks after discontinuation, while 5‐HT receptors and IP3 transiently increased during the recovery process. L‐BAIBA activated AMPK signalling, leading to attenuated PP2A signalling. Astroglial D‐serine release was increased by clozapine exposure but continued to increase within 1 week after discontinuation via activation of IP3 receptor function.Conclusion and ImplicationsClozapine discontinuation restored PP2A signalling due to decreased L‐BAIBA, increased 5‐HT receptor expression via probably enhanced 5‐HT receptor recycling, but increased astroglial D‐serine release persisted by transiently activated IP3 receptors via transiently increased IP3 level. Decreased L‐BAIBA caused by clozapine discontinuation is, at least partially, involved in the transiently increased 5‐HT receptor and astroglial D‐serine release.