Human Platelet Monoamine Oxidase Changes During the Menstrual Cycle

Robert H. Belmaker, Dennis L. Murphy, Richard J. Wyatt, D. Lynn Loriaux

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Scopus citations

Abstract

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is a major enzyme in the catabolism of brain biogenic amines. Platelet MAO activity has been shown to be largely under genetic control. Animal studies, however, have suggested that endocrine factors may contribute to the nongenetic component of the variance in MAO activity between individuals. To evaluate the possible effects of sex steroid changes on platelet MAO activity, blood samples for platelet MAO assay and plasma estradiol and progesterone levels were obtained twice weekly from 13 women. Peak MAO activity occurred during the ovulatory interval, and a nadir occurred 5 to 11 days later. The mean effect of the menstrual cycle-related variation was 23%. No statistically significant relationship was observed between platelet MAO activity and a global scale of menstrual mood variation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)553-556
Number of pages4
JournalArchives of General Psychiatry
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1974
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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