PLASMA ALPHA-ONE ACID GLYCOPROTEIN AND HALOPERIDOL CONCENTRATIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS

Thirty six schizophrenic patients were randomly assigned to placebo or haloperidol treatment for 6 weeks. Blood samples to measure plasma al pha-one acid glycoprotein (AAC), haloperidol and reduced haloperidol c oncentrations were obtained at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. Blood s amples were obtained 10-12 h after the evening dose and prior to the m orning dose. Haloperidol and reduced haloperidol was assayed by HPLC w ith electrochemical detection. Plasma AAG levels were assayed by radia l immunodiffusion. Patients were clinically assessed by the Brief Psyc hiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. BPRS scores did not significantly dec rease during placebo treatment, although a slight drop in plasma AAC l evels was found. Haloperidol produced a significant decrease in BPRS s cores and plasma AAG levels. Mean plasma haloperidol levels were 12.9 +/- 14.7 ng/ml at week 6. Significant correlations between decreasing BPRS scores and plasma AAG levels were not found with only a strong tr end at week 2 (r = 0.445, p = 0.073). The role of AAG and psychotropic drug disposition in psychiatric patients requires further evaluation.