Burrows et al

I found it interesting that Burrows et al took a different approach to schizophrenia treatment and research. In other research papers involving schizophrenia models, most of the approaches used were targeted at the specific receptor or neurotransmitter. Burrows et al used the environment enrichment model to test out the glutamate hypothesis which I thought was interesting in comparison to previous articles where this approach was not used when looking at the effects of dopamine. Burrows et al did a good job of covering a wide range of behavioral signs present in schizophrenia in the new model. It showed future usefulness as it encompassed a wide range of symptoms. There was strong evidence for the use of this model and the glutamate hypothesis and the importance of the role NMDAR in this model. In comparison to previous articles, I found Burrows et al to be more compelling since it was able to address more parts of schizophrenia than other papers before. Another reason why Burrows et al is more compelling is due to the fact that schizophrenia symptoms can be observed in mature rats as well rather than just embryonic stages. This shows better evidence for a schizophrenia model since the onset of schizophrenia is later on in life.

                Overall Burrows et al did a comprehensive overview of this methodology and the glutamate hypothesis. But like any other research, it is not completely conclusive. I think it is heading towards the right direction of finding treatment methods by understanding the role of NMDAR and glutamate. If it were possible as a treatment method, it would have to be through monitoring these levels in humans which can control the expression of such symptoms.