RESUMEN
A quantitative method for the detection of DMPEA in urine was developed. It is based on the fluorometric determination of DMPEA in the form of its phosphopyridoxyl derivate. The limit of detection is 2 microgram DMPEA per 1 g creatinine. The DMPEA content was measured in urine from healthy persons, from schizophrenics, and from psychiatric patients without schizophrenia hospitalized with the schizophrenics. From each person five to ten 24-hr urine samples were investigated. DMPEA could be found neither in schizophrenics nor in controls or healthy persons. Finally, the urinary excretion of parenterally applied 14C-DMPEA was determined in three healthy volunteers and in three rats. In man about 25% of the label was excreted as DMPEA. The main metabolite in urine was homoveratric acid. Both compounds were excreted as conjugates.
Asunto(s)
Dimetoxifeniletilamina/orina , Fenetilaminas/orina , Esquizofrenia/orina , Biotransformación , Fluorometría , Humanos , Trastornos Mentales/orinaRESUMEN
This study substantiates previous reports that low platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity is associated with alcoholism. Catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) activity in erythrocytes of alcoholics did not differ from that of controls. In 20 male alcoholics low platelet MAO activity was found during the first 3 days after hospitalization. The MAO activity increased in the next 2 weeks of abstinence and then tended to decrease again.
Asunto(s)
Alcoholismo/enzimología , Plaquetas/enzimología , Catecol O-Metiltransferasa/sangre , Eritrocitos/enzimología , Monoaminooxidasa/sangre , Adulto , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/enzimología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Síndrome de Abstinencia a Sustancias/enzimología , Triptaminas/sangre , Tiramina/sangreRESUMEN
A significant decrease in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity of erythrocytes was found in both male and female schizophrenic patients, as well as in male patients with schizophreniform psychosis. Among control subjects, a sex difference in COMT activity of erythrocytes was found, with males showing significantly higher activity than females. It is suggested that a genetically determined deficiency of catecholamine degradative enzymes in the central nervous system or, alternatively, influences of nongenetic hormonal factors could be implicated in the findings of altered erythrocyte COMT activity reported.