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Red blood cell membrane dynamics in schizophrenia. I. Membrane fluidity
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.
Schizophrenia Research
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Schizophrenia patients show altered red blood cell membrane fluidity after haloperidol withdrawal, correlating with increased psychosis and relapse risk. Haloperidol treatment itself does not impact this membrane property.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) membrane properties may reflect alterations in schizophrenia.
- The impact of antipsychotic medication, such as haloperidol, on RBC membrane fluidity is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of haloperidol treatment and withdrawal on RBC ghost membrane fluidity in schizophrenia patients.
- To explore the relationship between RBC membrane fluidity, psychosis, and relapse risk.
Main Methods:
- Steady-state anisotropy (rs) using the fluorescent probe DPH was measured in RBC ghost membranes.
- Measurements were taken from schizophrenic patients on haloperidol, after haloperidol withdrawal, and from healthy controls.
- Correlations were analyzed between rs values, psychosis ratings, and clinical variables.
Main Results:
- RBC membrane fluidity (rs values) was not significantly different in haloperidol-treated patients compared to controls.
- Drug-free schizophrenic patients exhibited significantly increased rs values compared to controls.
- Relapsed patients showed significantly higher rs values after withdrawal compared to when on haloperidol, correlating with increased psychosis.
Conclusions:
- Haloperidol treatment does not appear to affect RBC membrane fluidity.
- Haloperidol withdrawal is associated with decreased RBC membrane fluidity in schizophrenia patients.
- Decreased RBC membrane fluidity following withdrawal may predict relapse and increased psychosis.