[Possible alteration of adrenergic neurons in the mesolimbic system of psychotics (author's transl)].
The activity of Phenylethanolamine-N-Methyltransferase (PNMT) was assayed in 12 brain structures in a group of 8 chronic psychotics, a sub-group of 5 schizophrenics and a group of 7 normal controls. It was found significant decreased in substantia perforata posterior and nucleus accumbens. These two structures belong to the meso-limbic system. These data, therefore, suggest an inhibition of PNMT and/or an alteration of putative adrenergic neurons in the meso-limbic system, in schizophrenia.
D006801:Humans; D008032:Limbic System / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology*; D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase / Q000032:analysis; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000473:pathology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000473:pathology*
D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase
Altération possible de neurones adrénergiques du système méso-limbique des psychotiques.