Changes in levels of phosphorus metabolites in temporal lobes of drug-naive schizophrenic patients

Objective: The authors examined phospholipids and high-energy phosphorus me tabolism in the temporal robes of drug-naive schizophrenic patients. Method : In vivo P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on 17 first-ep isode, drug-naive schizophrenic patients and 17 age- and gender-matched hea lthy subjects. Results: Patients showed higher levels of phosphodiesters an d lower levels of phosphomonoesters than the comparison group. Phosphocreat ine levels were increased in the left temporal lobes of patients. Conclusio ns: The results suggest disturbed membrane phospholipid metabolism in both temporal robes and decreased energy demands in the left temporal lobes of d rug-naive schizophrenic patients.