Phenylethylamine and monoamine metabolites in CSF of schizophrenics: Effects of neuroleptic treatment

Abstract
Phenylethylamine (PEA) and the monoamine metabolites 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) have been measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of nine paranoid schizophrenics before and after three weeks of neuroleptic treatment. Patients were classified according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria and rated by means of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. A significant increase was seen in HVA CSF concentrations during neuroleptic treatment (pi.e. dopamine, seems more probable.