Improved p50 auditory gating with ondansetron in medicated schizophrenia patients.

Objective: Most schizophrenia patients have a deficit in auditory sensory gating, which appears to be mediated by the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor, that is not improved with conventional antipsychotic treatment. This study examined the effects of ondansetron, a highly selective 5-HT3 antagonist, on the P50 auditory evoked potential.

Method: Eight medicated outpatients with schizophrenia were given either ondansetron (16 mg) or placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design.