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Aspects of tyrosine metabolism in schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

C. H. Williams
C. H. Williams
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast
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Synopsis

Disordered amine metabolism is frequently suggested as being of aetiological significance in schizophrenia. The present study investigates the effects of loading doses of the cate-cholamine precursor L-tyrosine in this illness. Groups of schizophrenic and control subjects were given loading doses of L-tyrosine after which plasma tyrosine levels and excretion of some tyrosine metabolities were measured. In only one parameter, excretion of free p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, was any significant difference observed between the groups. The study is discussed in relation to some of the biochemical theories advanced from time to time for schizophrenia.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 1 , Issue 4 , August 1971 , pp. 286 - 291
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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