Comparison of MAO, D beta H, and COMT activities in chronic schizophrenics selected on the basis of nailfold capillary pattern.

A group of 17 white male chronic schizophrenic subjects were divided on the basis of plexus visualization score (PVS). High and low PVS subjects were compared to each other and to low PVS controls on measures of platelet monamine oxidase (MAO), rbc catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT), and plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H). There were no differences between high and low PVS subjects on any biochemical variable. Schizophrenic subjects had lower platelet MAO activity than controls. Platelet MAO and rbc COMT were significantly correlated in schizophrenic subjects.