Platelet mao activity in subgroups of schizophrenia

Platelet MAO activity was estimated in 60 male drug free schizophrenics, 36 male drug free manics and 30 male normal healthy controls by Radio Isotopic Technique using (14)C Tryptamine Bisuccinate as substrate. There was no significant difference between the enzyme activity in the schizophrenic, manic and control groups. Platelet MAO activity in the disorganized catatonic and paranoid schizophrenics was significantly lower as compared to the enzyme activity in the manic and healthy control group. Platelet MAO activity appears to be related to subgroups of schizophrenia disorganized, catatonic and paranoid. Limitations and scope for future research have been outlined.