SCHIZOPHRENIA, RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS AND TRYPTOPHAN METABOLISM

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (6) , 499-502
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia were described in early surveys as mutually exclusive disorders. Such claims are seen as especially interesting in view of: indications that both illnesses often follow prodromes of severe psychological stress, theories regarding hypermethylation of indoleamines producing endogenous psychotogens in schizophrenia and studies of rheumatoid arthritis reporting excessive binding of L-tryptophan to plasma protein, abnormalities of urinary tryptophan metabolites, decreased serotonin binding capacity of thrombocytes and decreased MAO [monoamine oxidase] activity in joint fluid. Further comparative studies of tryptophan metabolism in schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis might enhance knowledge of pathogenesis in either or both diseases.

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit: