Objective: To study if platelet MAO activity, previously described as a ser
otonergic index, is modified in a sample of pure restrictive anorectic pati
ents.
Method: Twenty-five female patients with DSM-IV anorexia nervosa restrictin
g type were studied and compared with 30 healthy female controls. Platelet
MAO activity was measured by isotopic methods using C-14 benzylamine. Impul
sive personality features were measured with specific rating scales and tem
perament studied with Cloninger's TCI.
Results: Platelet MAO activity was significantly lower (4.3 + 2.7 nmol/h/ 1
08 platelets) in the anorectic patients than in the control group (6.7 + 2.
8) (P < 0.01). Platelet MAO was inversely correlated with scores on impulsi
vity scales and positively correlated with the dimension 'persistence' of C
loninger's TCI.
Conclusion: Platelet MAO activity is lowered in a group of patients with an
orexia nervosa and might involve some dysfunction in the regulation of impu
lse control.