Decreased platelet monoamine oxidase activity in female bulimia nervosa

The involvement of brain serotonin systems in the pathophysiology of sating disorders has been repeatedly demonstrated in recent studies. Platelet MAO activity is an index of brain serotonin activity and lowered platelet MAO levels have been found in association with impulsive behaviors. In addition , some preliminary reports indicate that platelet MAO could be lowered in e ating disorder patients. Methods: 47 patients with DSM-IV rating disorders were studied, including 30 with bulimia nervosa and 17 with anorexia nervos a binge eating-purging type. Platelet MAO activity was measured by isotopic methods using C-ll benzylamine and compared with a control group of 30 hea lthy subjects. Impulsive personality features were studied with specific ra ting scales. Results: Platelet MAO activity was significantly lower (4.4+/- 2.4 nmol/h/10(8) platelets) in the bulimic patients than in the control gro up (6.9+/-2.5) (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between pur e bulimics and binge eating-purging anorectics. Platelet MAO was inversely and significantly correlated with scores on impulsivity scales and with bor derline personality disorder characteristics. Conclusions: Platelet MAO act ivity is lowered in patients with bulimia, which may reflect dysfunction in impulse control mechanisms. Since platelet MAO has a predominant genetic c omponent, there is need for studies on the association of low platelet MAO and higher risk for developing eating disorders. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.