title: Catechol-O-methyltransferase activity and classification of depression.
abstract: Red blood cell catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity was compared across different depressive diagnoses. In a sample of 88 depressed inpatients, using defined criteria, no difference was found in respect of enzyme activity and the following categories: primary, secondary, delusional, nondelusional, endogenous, nonendogenous (neurotic), characterological depressions. COMT did not vary with age or sex. A significant increase in COMT activity was noted in agitated, depressed males, as compared to other groups.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase / Q000097:blood*; D003863:Depression / Q000145:classification* / Q000201:enzymology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase