First episode of schizophrenia is accompanied by changes in the activity of blood amine oxidases

In 26 patients with their first episode of schizophrenia, we measured the activity of platelet monoamine oxidase and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase of the blood serum. The severity of the disease was evaluated as moderate (over 75 points according to PANSS scale). In these patients we found a significantly increased activity of monoamine oxidase (by 107%) and significantly decreased activity of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (by 29%), as compared to healthy volunteers. The results of factor analysis suggest that these two enzymes may be integral components of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the first episode of schizophrenia.