Platelet serotonin and monoamine oxidase in Alzheimer's disease with psychotic features.

Post mortem brain studies indicate that alterations in serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems might be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the study was to determine serotonin (5-HT) levels and monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) activity in platelets of psychotic and non-psychotic patients with AD, established according to the NINCDS-ADRDA and DSM-IV-TR criteria. Cognitive impairment and psychotic features were evaluated using Mini Mental Status Examination and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Platelet 5-HT concentration and MAO-B activity were determined spectrofluorimetrically in 116 (51 male, 65 female) healthy subjects and 70 psychotic (10 male, 60 female) and 151 non-psychotic (32 male, 119 female) patients. Psychotic and non-psychotic female and psychotic male patients had significantly lower platelet 5-HT concentration than corresponding sex matched control subjects. Platelet MAO-B activity was significantly increased in both male and female non-psychotic patients compared to the sex matched controls. Non-psychotic female patients had significantly higher platelet MAO-B activity than psychotic female patients. Our data suggest that platelet MAO-B activity, but not platelet 5-HT concentration, could differentiate between psychotic and non-psychotic subtypes of AD.