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Decreased platelet monoamine oxidase activity in female anorexia nervosa
M Díaz-Marsá1, J L Carrasco, E Hollander
1Department of Psychiatry, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Objective:
To study if platelet MAO activity, previously described as a serotonergic index, is modified in a sample of pure restrictive anorectic patients.
Method:
Twenty-five female patients with DSM-IV anorexia nervosa restricting type were studied and compared with 30 healthy female controls. Platelet MAO activity was measured by isotopic methods using C-14 benzylamine. Impulsive personality features were measured with specific rating scales and temperament studied with Cloninger's TCI.
Results:
Platelet MAO activity was significantly lower (4.3+2.7 nmol/h/ 108 platelets) in the anorectic patients than in the control group (6.7+2.8) (P<0.01). Platelet MAO was inversely correlated with scores on impulsivity scales and positively correlated with the dimension 'persistence' of Cloninger's TCI.
Conclusion:
Platelet MAO activity is lowered in a group of patients with anorexia nervosa and might involve some dysfunction in the regulation of impulse control.