Platelet [3H]dopamine uptake is differentially affected by neuroleptic drug treatment in schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder

Abstract

1. The uptake of [3H]dopamine was measured using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from neuroleptic- free subjects and again, in some cases, after the subject had been treated with neuroleptic drugs. 2. There were no differences in [3H]dopamine uptake by PRP in subjects who were or were not mentally ill. 3. After treatment with neuroleptic drugs the Km for platelet [3H]dopamine uptake had increased in 76% of subjects with schizophrenia and 87% of subjects with schizophreniform disorder. Similarly, the Vmax for platelet [3H]dopamine uptake had increased in 81% of the subjects with schizophrenia and 86% of the subjects with schizophreniform disorder. 4. By contrast, the Km for platelet [3H]dopamine u..