Sex differences, season of birth and platelet 5-HT levels in schizophrenic patients

J Neural Transm (Vienna). 1999;106(3-4):337-47. doi: 10.1007/s007020050163.

Abstract

Similar occurrence of schizophrenia was observed in men and women independent of their season of birth. Platelet 5-HT concentration was determined in 116 healthy control subjects (61 male and 55 female) and 152 patients with schizophrenia (96 male and 56 female). Platelet 5-HT concentration was significantly higher in male than in female healthy persons and schizophrenic patients. Male and female healthy subjects born in different seasons had similar platelet 5-HT concentrations, whereas schizophrenic patients with different birth-seasons had significantly different platelet 5-HT concentrations. The highest platelet 5-HT levels were observed in both male and female schizophrenic patients born in winter when compared to matched healthy controls. Male schizophrenic patients born in winter had higher platelet 5-HT levels than schizophrenic men born in spring and summer. Female schizophrenic patients born in winter had higher platelet 5-HT than schizophrenic women born in all other seasons. These results indicated sex differences in platelet 5-HT levels in healthy persons and schizophrenic patients. The relationship between season of the birth and platelet 5-HT concentration observed only in schizophrenic patients added further support to the presumption that schizophrenia is connected with a disturbance in the central serotoninergic system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Labor, Obstetric*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Pregnancy
  • Reference Values
  • Schizophrenia / blood*
  • Seasons*
  • Serotonin / blood*
  • Sex Characteristics*

Substances

  • Serotonin