HYDROXY‐INDOLE‐O‐METHYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN PINEALS: A COMPARISON OF CONTROLS AND SCHIZOPHRENICS

Abstract
The activity of hydroxy-indole-o-methyltransferase (HIOMT) was assayed in pineal glands from 15-controls and 23 schizophrenics. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in HIOMT activity and no significant effect of age, sex or neuroleptic treatment on the activity of the enzyme. A diurnal rhythm was not discernible in HIOMT activity and it is suggested that this may be the result of terminal illness. Apparently, HIOMT activity in pineals of schizophrenics is unlikely to differ from controls.