Immunoelectrophoresis of the Serum of Psychotic Patients

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Abstract
In recent years the search for etiologic factors in psychosis has turned to examination of the serum proteins.1-6 Workers have claimed to be able to distinguish differences in the serum proteins of psychotics versus normals. The techniques have varied from highly individualized extraction procedures,1 such as those employed for taraxein,7 to the simpler paper electrophoresis.6 With the recent postulation of an abnormality in autoimmune mechanisms in the psychotic patient3 it was felt that investigation of their sera by immunoelectrophoresis would be of interest. Materials and Methods Sera were obtained from patients admitted to Western State Psychiatric Institute in Pittsburgh. Each patient's chart was abstracted for significant information relating to medical history, physical examination, routine laboratory data, and medications received prior to our obtaining serum samplings. Patients were excluded from the study if the history or physical suggested a possible