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Plasma norepinephrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in schizophrenia
Archives of General Psychiatry
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Schizophrenic patients exhibit altered plasma norepinephrine levels and pulse rates. Chlorpromazine treatment, unlike haloperidol, affects these measures and blood pressure, suggesting alpha-adrenergic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Plasma norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity are influenced by physiological changes.
- Altered autonomic nervous system function is implicated in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma NE levels and DBH activity in drug-free schizophrenic patients compared to controls.
- To examine the effects of chlorpromazine and haloperidol on these parameters in schizophrenic patients.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected to measure plasma NE and DBH activity.
- Physiological parameters including pulse rate and blood pressure were recorded.
- Comparisons were made between drug-free schizophrenic patients, controls, and patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment.
Main Results:
- Drug-free schizophrenic patients displayed higher standing plasma NE levels and elevated pulse rates (supine and standing) than normal subjects.
- Chlorpromazine treatment led to increased supine and standing plasma NE, increased standing pulse rate, and decreased standing systolic blood pressure.
- Haloperidol treatment did not produce significant alterations in these measured parameters.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest reduced peripheral alpha-adrenergic postsynaptic receptor sensitivity in schizophrenia.
- A peripheral alpha-adrenergic blocking mechanism may explain chlorpromazine-induced hypotension.