Platelet monoamine oxidase, plasma dopamine β‐hydroxylase activity, dementia and family history of alcoholism in chronic alcoholics

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Abstract
The authors measured platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and plasma dopamine .beta.-hydroxylase activity in 36-male chronic alcoholics during a period of non-abstinence, and in 29 normal controls. The influence of family history, dementia, chronicity of drinking and liver injury on the enzyme activities was also examined by multiple regression analysis. Platelet MAO was significantly lower in the alcoholic group. Both enzyme activities were negatively related to the presence of dementia, while low MAO activity was associated with positive family history (parents, sibs) of alcoholism.