Platelet monoamine oxidase and plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activities in non-abstinent chronic alcoholics. Relation to clinical parameters.

Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activities were determined in 27 male non-abstinent chronic alcoholics. Compared to 24 normals, no significant difference in both enzyme activities was found. Alcoholics with at least one alcoholic first degree relative had a trend toward lower platelet MAO activity compared to those without such a history. Matched pair analysis showed that alcoholics of the former subgroup had significantly lower MAO activity than controls. Demented alcoholics had significantly reduced plasma DBH activity compared with the non-demented subgroup and with age, and sex, matched controls.