Decreased platelet monoamine oxidase activity in female bulimia nervosa

• Published in: European neuropsychopharmacology 2000-03, Vol.10 (2), p.113-117
• Main Authors: Carrasco, José Luis, Dı́az-Marsá, Marina, Hollander, Eric, César, Jesús, Saiz-Ruiz, Jerónimo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anorexia Nervosa - blood; Anorexia Nervosa - enzymology; Anorexia Nervosa - psychology; Blood Platelets - enzymology; Bulimia - blood; Bulimia - enzymology; Bulimia - psychology; Bulimia nervosa; Female; Humans; Impulsivity; Monoamine Oxidase - blood; Personality; Personality Disorders - blood; Personality Disorders - enzymology; Platelet monoamineoxidase (MAO); Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychobiology; Reference Values; Serotonin
• ISSN: 0924-977X; 1873-7862
• DOI: 10.1016/S0924-977X(99)00061-9

The involvement of brain serotonin systems in the pathophysiology of eating 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 eating disorder patients. Methods: 47 patients with DSM-IV eating disorders were studied, including 30 with bulimia nervosa and 17 with anorexia nervosa binge eating–purging type. Platelet MAO activity was measured by isotopic methods using C-14 benzylamine and compared with a control group of 30 healthy subjects. Impulsive personality features were studied with specific rating 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 group (6.9±2.5) ( p