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Prepulse inhibition deficits in schizophrenia are modified by smoking status 

Background

Schizophrenia is associated with high rates of cigarette smoking and deficits in sensorimotor gating, as measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response. However, the relationship between PPI deficits and smoking status is unclear. We examined whether smoking status modifies PPI deficits in schizophrenia. . . .

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that PPI deficits are present in nonsmokers with schizophrenia, and may be modified by smoking status. Acute smoking in schizophrenia is associated with an elevation of PPI to the levels in non-psychiatric control smokers. These findings have significant implications for understanding vulnerability to tobacco dependence in schizophrenia, which may lead to the development of more effective treatments for PPI deficits and tobacco dependence in this population.

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