CSF neurochemistry in depressed, manic, and schizophrenic patients compared with that of normal controls

Abstract

A total of 114 subjects (41 depressed, 20 schizophrenic, 15 manic and 38 normal controls) underwent lumbar puncture, and their CSF was analyzed for levels of tyrosine, tryptophan, homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxy IAA (5-HIAA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), choline, GABA and Ca. Depressed patients, particularly those > 40 yr old, had lower levels of GABA than did controls and their level of HVA increased with age, while controls'' decreased. Schizophrenic subjects tended to have higher levels of 5-HIAA and manic subjects tended to have higher levels of HVA and MHPG. Age-associated changes were found in HVA, 5-HIAA, MHPG, GABA and choline concentrations.