PINOLINE, A BETA-CARBOLINE DERIVATIVE IN THE SERUM AND CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Baseline levels of pinoline, 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-.beta.-carboline (6-MeOTHBC) in the serum and CSF were determined with GLC-mass spectrometry in 13 unmedicated schizophrenic patients and 18 non-psychiatric controls. A detectable concentration of 6-MeOTHBC was always present, but no differences were found between the schizophrenic and the control groups. The serum and the CSF levels of 6-MeOTHBC were not significantly related to such variables as sex, age, subtype of schizophrenia, the quality and/or intensity of the psychopathological symptoms, or the duration of illness. The role of the indoleamines in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia is discussed.