Abstract
The multi‐acting receptor targeted antipsychotics (MARTA) are useful for treating schizophrenia because they are effective on not only positive symptoms but also negative symptoms. However, it is known that MARTA including olanzapine increase body weight and blood glucose levels, which often disturbs its treatment. We have shown that central administration of olanzapine causes hyperglycemia through activation of sympathetic nerves. In addition, stimulations of central dopamine D2 receptors, histamine H1 receptors and α1 adrenoceptors increase blood glucose levels. Moreover, stimulation of central dopamine D2 receptors increases blood glucose levels by increasing hepatic glucose production. Taken together, it is suggested that olanzapine activates sympathetic nerves by antagonizing central dopamine D2 receptors, which causes hyperglycemia through increase of hepatic glucose production. The research examining the mechanism how MARTA disturbs glucose metabolism contributes not only to the appropriate treatment of schizophrenia using MARTA but also to understanding the regulation of blood glucose regulation by the central nervous system.
