Platelet monoamine oxidase activity and tardive dyskinesia
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H Morgenstern1, H M Hafez, W M Glazer
1Div. of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health 90024-1772.
Abstract:
A few studies of chronic psychiatric inpatients have reported an inverse association between platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity level and tardive dyskinesia (TD). In contrast to these earlier findings, we found no significant or consistent association between platelet MAO activity level and TD occurrence when we controlled for other TD predictors in a case-control study of 80 outpatients maintained on neuroleptic medications. We did find, however, that black subjects had significantly lower levels of MAO activity than did whites in an analysis controlling for age, sex, and neuroleptic dose.
Insights
This study found no link between platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and tardive dyskinesia (TD) in neuroleptic-treated outpatients. However, Black individuals showed lower MAO levels than white individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous research suggested an inverse association between platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and tardive dyskinesia (TD) in chronic psychiatric inpatients.
- This association has implications for understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of TD, a movement disorder associated with antipsychotic medication use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between platelet MAO activity levels and the occurrence of TD in outpatients receiving neuroleptic medications.
- To examine potential confounding factors influencing the MAO-TD relationship, including demographic variables and medication specifics.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 80 outpatients maintained on neuroleptic medications.
- Platelet MAO activity levels were measured and analyzed in relation to TD occurrence, controlling for relevant covariates.
Main Results:
- No significant or consistent association was found between platelet MAO activity levels and TD occurrence after controlling for other TD predictors.
- Black subjects exhibited significantly lower platelet MAO activity levels compared to white subjects, even after adjusting for age, sex, and neuroleptic dose.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a direct association between platelet MAO activity and TD in this outpatient population.
- Racial differences in MAO activity levels warrant further investigation in the context of neuroleptic treatment and movement disorders.