Platelet MAO activity in schizophrenia and other psychiatric illnesses.

Previous reports have indicated that platelet MAO activity is low in some schizophrenic and other psychiatric patients. However, other studies have not been able to replicate this phenomenon. This study supportsthe previous observations of low enzyme activity in some chronic schizophrenic patients. The authors discuss the thesis that low platelet MAO activity may be a biochemical marker for vulnerability to psychiatric illness.