GABA and Homovanillic Acid in the Plasma of Schizophrenic and Bipolar I Patients

Overview

Journal Neurochem Res

Specialties Chemistry
Neurology

Date 2009 Aug 25

PMID 19701707

Citations 11

Authors

Aurora Arrue

Ricardo Davila

Mercedes Zumarraga

Nieves Basterreche

Miguel A Gonzalez-Torres

Biotza Goienetxea

Maria I Zamalloa

Juan B Anguiano

Jose Guimon

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We have determined the plasma (p) concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA), and the pHVA/pGABA ratio in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. The research was undertaken in a geographic area with an ethnically homogeneous population. The HVA plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in the schizophrenic patients compared to the bipolar patients. The levels of pGABA was significantly lower in the two groups of patients compared to the control group, while the pHVA/pGABA ratio was significantly greater in the both groups of patients compared to the controls. As the levels of pHVA and pGABA are partially under genetic control it is better to compare their concentrations within an homogeneous population. The values of the ratio pHVA/pGABA are compatible with the idea of an abnormal dopamine-GABA interaction in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. The pHVA/pGABA ratio may be a good peripheral marker in psychiatric research.

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