Monoamine oxidase activity in relation to psychiatric disorders: The state of the art

Abstract

Monoamine oxidase (MAO; E.C. 1.4.3.4) activity in platelets is one of the few hitherto known biological markers which might be useful in clinical psychiatric practice. Thus, as is discussed in more detail below, there are obvious connections between platelet MAO activity and certain personality traits. In this way, however, low (and possibly high) platelet MAO activity is a marker for “vulnerability” rather than for illness. The present knowledge about relationships between temperament and central monoaminergic activity does not permit any definite conclusions about which monoamine system is involved. Available data, however, favour the notion that the activity of the serotonin system is most closely connected to the personality traits of interest. Thus, the simplest interpretation would be that there is a positive correlation between central serotonergic activity and platelet MAO activity. Such an interpretation is supported by the findings of a positive correlation between CSF levels of 5-HIAA and plate...