Decreased S100-beta protein in schizophrenia: preliminary evidence

The S100 proteins are a family of calcium-binding proteins found in the cen tral and peripheral nervous systems of vertebrates. S100 beta, the most abu ndant member of this family in the CNS, mediates calcium signal transductio n, and shows neurotrophic, gliotrophic and mitogenic actions that influence the development and maintenance of the nervous system. Another member of t he S100 family (S100A10) was found to modulate phospholipid turnover by inh ibiting the activity of enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2). We determined the c oncentration of S100 beta protein in the plasma of 23 medicated schizophren ic patients and 23 healthy controls. S100 beta protein accounts for 96% of the total S100 in the brain. Schizophrenic patients showed reduced S100 bet a concentrations (p = 0.003), and this finding was not related to clinical variables or to intake of antipsychotic medication. Decreased S100 beta cou ld be related to the findings of increased PLA2 activity and to brain malde velopment in schizophrenia. These results are discussed further with respec t to the role of adenosine in S100 beta release. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.