Low platelet MAO activity associated with high dysfunctional impulsivity and antisocial behavior: evidence from drunk drivers.
BACKGROUND
Low platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity is associated with problem drinking and other deviant behaviors. Since the majority of alcohol abusers are smokers, and tobacco smoke has a direct inhibitory effect on the enzyme, these associations may not be meaningful.


OBJECTIVE
The authors compared platelet MAO activity and impulsivity in police-referred subjects caught driving while intoxicated and in control subjects, controlling for smoking.


METHODS
Platelet MAO activity was measured radioenzymatically and impulsivity scores obtained from questionnaires. Smoking status was self-reported.


RESULTS
Subjects caught driving while intoxicated had significantly higher dysfunctional impulsivity and lower platelet MAO activity than control subjects. This difference in platelet MAO activity between the two groups was significant in non-smokers and ex-smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrate that platelet MAO activity is lower in subjects with socially deviant behavior, and the association of low platelet MAO and problem drinking is not an artifact of smoking.
Department of Public Health, Center of Behavioral and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
Diva
D
Eensoo
Marika
M
Paaver
Aleksander
A
Pulver
Maarike
M
Harro
Jaanus
J
Harro
D000328:Adult; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D001334:Automobile Driving; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000097:blood*; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D008995:Monoamine Oxidase