Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
05:14
Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
Platelet mao activity in chronic schizophrenia.
A K Gupta1, B B Sethi, J K Trivedi
1Chief Resident, Department of Psychiatry, K. G. Medical College, Lucknow.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity did not differ significantly between chronic schizophrenic patients, their relatives, and healthy controls. However, a strong correlation in enzyme activity was observed between patients and their first-degree relatives.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder with a significant genetic component.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, and its activity has been investigated in relation to schizophrenia.
- Previous studies have yielded inconsistent findings regarding platelet MAO activity in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in male patients with chronic schizophrenia, their first-degree male relatives, and age-matched healthy male controls.
- To explore potential correlations in MAO activity between schizophrenic probands and their relatives.
- To examine if specific psychotic symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations or paranoid features, influence platelet MAO activity.
Main Methods:
- Platelet MAO activity was measured in three groups: 30 male drug-free chronic schizophrenics (RDC diagnosis), 30 male first-degree relatives of these patients, and 31 age-matched healthy male controls.
- Statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare enzyme activity between the groups.
- Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between enzyme activity in probands and their relatives.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in platelet MAO activity were found among the three study groups (schizophrenic patients, relatives, and controls).
- A high positive correlation was observed between the platelet MAO activity of schizophrenic probands and their first-degree relatives.
- The presence or absence of auditory hallucinations or paranoid features did not significantly impact platelet MAO enzyme activity within the patient group.
Conclusions:
- Platelet MAO activity does not appear to be a distinguishing biochemical marker for chronic schizophrenia in the studied male population.
- The significant correlation in MAO activity between patients and relatives suggests a potential shared genetic or familial influence on this enzyme.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of MAO and its genetic underpinnings in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...