Pinoline, a beta-carboline derivative in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with schizophrenia.
Baseline levels of pinoline, 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (6-MeOTHBC) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were determined with GLC-mass spectrometry in 13 unmedicated schizophrenic patients and 18 non-psychiatric controls. A detectable concentration of 6-MeOTHBC was always present, but no differences were found between the schizophrenic and the control groups. The serum and the CSF levels of 6-MeOTHBC were not significantly related to such variables as sex, age, subtype of schizophrenia, the quality and/or intensity of the psychopathological symptoms, or the duration of illness. The role of the indoleamines in the aetiopathogenesis of schizophrenia is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D002243:Carbolines / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000378:metabolism*
D002243:Carbolines; D007211:Indoles; C002272:6-methoxytryptoline