GLUCOSE-OXIDATION AND MONOAMINE-OXIDASE ACTIVITY FROM THE FIBROBLASTSOF SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS AND CONTROLS

Fibroblasts have emerged as one of the best systems in which to study several genetically inherited diseases. Their use avoids the contamina ting effects of medication and other environmental factors. Moreover, fibroblast cells cultured in vitro can express several biochemical par ameters which are characteristic of neuronal cells. We have studied fi broblast MAO-A and glucose oxidation and platelet MAO-B from schizophr enic patients and control subjects. Fibroblasts from schizophrenics sh owed an increased glucose oxidation in two different experiments condu cted (122% and 126% compared to controls). No changes were found in th e levels of fibroblast MAO-A or platelet MAO-B activity. Possibly thes e alterations in glucose oxidation may be associated with a generalize d membrane abnormality which has been reported in schizophrenia.