Adjusting MK-801 dose increased the specificity of hypoglutamate models for schizophrenia. 0.03 mg/kg MK-801 reduced contaminations of sensorimotor gating and locomotor activity. Increased glutamate in the mPFC related to MK-801-induced cognitive deficits. Decreased GABA content in the THA related to MK-801-induced cognitive deficits. Decreased Akt phosphorylation in the mPFC related to MK-801-induced cognitive deficits.