[Investigation of the genetic background of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (introduction)].
The hereditability of bipolar disorder (Bpd) and schizophrenia (Sch) is a well known fact, twin studies are applied to estimate the contribution of the genetic background. Gene linkage studies provided from suicidal brain samples are used to identify mutation of susceptibility genes involved in the etiology. Numerous genes are playing role in the altered signal transduction pathways. Based on the combined effects and functional interactions between the enzymes expressed by these key genes, it could be possible to estimate the genetic risk. Through targeting the intracellular enzymes we can affect the pathogenesis and modify neuronal plasticity of Bpd and Sch, thus developing new psychoactive drugs.