Decreased platelet monoamine oxidase activity in female anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
To study if platelet MAO activity, previously described as a serotonergic index, is modified in a sample of pure restrictive anorectic patients.


METHODS
Twenty-five female patients with DSM-IV anorexia nervosa restricting type were studied and compared with 30 healthy female controls. Platelet MAO activity was measured by isotopic methods using C-14 benzylamine. Impulsive personality features were measured with specific rating scales and temperament studied with Cloninger's TCI.


RESULTS
Platelet MAO activity was significantly lower (4.3+2.7 nmol/h/ 108 platelets) in the anorectic patients than in the control group (6.7+2.8) (P<0.01). Platelet MAO was inversely correlated with scores on impulsivity scales and positively correlated with the dimension 'persistence' of Cloninger's TCI.


CONCLUSIONS
Platelet MAO activity is lowered in a group of patients with anorexia nervosa and might involve some dysfunction in the regulation of impulse control.
Díaz-Marsá
M
M
Department of Psychiatry, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Carrasco
J L
JL
Hollander
E
E
César
J
J
Saiz-Ruiz
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000097:blood*; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology; D012016:Reference Values; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D013694:Temperament / Q000502:physiology
D012701:Serotonin; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase