CSF DOPAMINE-BETA-HYDROXYLASE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA - ASSOCIATIONS WITH PREMORBID FUNCTIONING AND BRAIN COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY SCAN MEASURES

Objective: The authors attempted to replicate previous findings of rel ationships of CSF dopamine beta-hydroxylase with premorbid functioning and computerized tomography (CT) scan measures in a new cohort of sch izophrenic patients. Method: Data on CSF dopamine beta-hydroxylase-lik e immunoreactivity and premorbid functioning as well as CT scans, were obtained in 60 drug-free, male schizophrenic patients and two groups of normal comparison subjects. Results: CSF dopamine P-hydroxylase did not differ between the comparison subjects and schizophrenic patients . Lower CSF dopamine beta-hydroxylase was associated with better premo rbid social functioning and with less prefrontal sulcal widening. Bett er premorbid school functioning and more years of education, however, were associated with higher CSF dopamine beta-hydroxylase. Conclusions : The association between low CSF dopamine beta-hydroxylase and premor bid functioning was confirmed for social functioning, while the opposi te was observed for scholastic performance, suggesting that these are different dimensions. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase modulates the prognosi s and potentially the course of schizophrenia without necessarily caus ing the disorder.