Decreased platelet monoamine oxidase activity in female anorexia nervosa

• Published in: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica Vol. 101; no. 3; pp. 226 - 230
• Main Authors: Díaz-Marsá, M., Carrasco, J. L., Hollander, E., César, J., Saiz-Ruiz, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copenhagen Munksgaard International Publishers 01.03.2000
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; anorexia nervosa; Anorexia Nervosa - diagnosis; Anorexia Nervosa - enzymology; Blood Platelets - enzymology; Female; Humans; impulsivity; Monoamine Oxidase - blood; monoamineoxidase (MAO); personality; Personality Disorders - diagnosis; Personality Disorders - enzymology; psychobiology; Reference Values; serotonin; Serotonin - physiology; Temperament - physiology
• ISSN: 0001-690X; 1600-0447
• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.101003226.x

Objectives: To study if platelet MAO activity, previously described as a serotonergic index, is modified in a sample of pure restrictive anorectic patients. Method: 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. Conclusion: Platelet MAO activity is lowered in a group of patients with anorexia nervosa and might involve some dysfunction in the regulation of impulse control.