Synaptic microenvironment and altered state of consciousness in schizophrenia: a possible link between synapse geometry and orchestrated objective reduction theory
The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery August 22, 2023 DOI: 10.1186/s41983-023-00719-2 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA review of the orchestrated objective reduction (OR) theory of consciousness as applied to schizophrenia. The OR theory proposes that consciousness arises from quantum computations in microtubules, with events initiated at the synapse, where signal transduction and neurotransmitter availability are regulated. The review examines how the synaptic microenvironment—including astrocytes and the extracellular matrix—is actively regulated and how its disruption may contribute to consciousness abnormalities in schizophrenia. Evidence from experimental and post-mortem studies indicates involvement of these synaptic components in the disorder. The article synthesizes findings to link disturbed synaptic homeostasis with altered consciousness in schizophrenia.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The review suggests that disturbances in the synaptic microenvironment, particularly involving astrocytes and the extracellular matrix, may underlie abnormalities in consciousness in schizophrenia, as interpreted through the OR theory. |
Abstract
AbstractIn recent decades, studies have provided convincing evidence indicating abnormalities in some aspects of consciousness in schizophrenia patients. One of the pioneering theory, orchestrated objective reduction (OR) on the mechanism of consciousness has been proposed by Hameroff and Penrose. According to OR, consciousness roots in microtubules (MTs) which act as quantum computation apparatus. OR theory attribute the consciousness generation to MTs, while the “inception” of the events begins at synaptic level where other players regulate the signal transduction and neurotransmitters bioavailability at synaptic microenvironment. Homeostasis and geometry of synaptic microenvironment are actively regulated by glial cell particularly astrocytes. Experimental and post mortem studies have documented evidence indicating the involvement of main participants of synapse such as astrocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM) in schizophrenia. This literature aims to review the role(s) of active participants of synaptic microenvironment and disturbed state of consciousness based on OR theory in schizophrenia.