Platelet monoamine oxidase-B activity in type 1 alcohol-dependent subjects in sustained full remission.
OBJECTIVE
The present study investigated platelet monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activity in male alcohol-dependent subjects in sustained full remission (minimum 1 year), to exclude possible transient changes in platelet MAO-B activity, which occur up to several months after the end of alcohol intake.


METHODS
MAO-B activity was examined in 16 alcohol-dependent subjects, characterized as type 1 alcoholics, with an abstinence period of 6 +/- 7 years (mean +/- SD) and in 12 healthy controls.


RESULTS
The long-term abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects did not differ from controls in platelet MAO-B activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Type 1 male alcohol-dependent subjects appear to have normal platelet MAO-B activity. The possibility, however, cannot be excluded that type 2 long-term abstinent alcoholics may have lower platelet MAO-B activity.
Berggren
Ulf
U
The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatric Section, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Mölndal, SE-431 80 Mölndal and Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
Eriksson
Matts
M
Fahlke
Claudia
C
Blennow
Kaj
K
Sundkler
Anders
A
Balldin
Jan
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000097:blood; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000097:blood*; D013695:Temperance; D013997:Time Factors
D008995:Monoamine Oxidase