Kinetic constants of platelet monoamine oxidase in schizophrenia

It has been reported that one or both of the kinetic constants (Km and Vmax) of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the blood platelets of schizophrenic patients are significantly lower than those of normal controls. The authors found no significant differences in Km or Vmax of platelet MAO activity between schizophrenic patients, schizoaffective depressed, mainly schizophrenic patients, and normal control subjects of the same sex. There was also no relationship between paranoid symptoms, hallucinations, or a family history of schizophrenia and Vmax or Km of platelet MAO in the combined groups of schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. Women had significantly higher Vmax values, but no sex difference in Km was noted.