Abstract:

Objects:

This study was designed to investigate the validity of subtyping schizophrenia by family history and to find out the biochemical markers reflecting the etiological heterogeneity between the subtypes.

Methods:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of MHPG, HVA, and 5-HLAA were determined in 19 schizophrenic patients with family history and 13 patients without family history. And their psychopathology were also assessed with PANSS.

Results:

In schizophrenic patients with family history of schizophrenia, CSF MHPG concentrations were significantly lower than those in patients without family history. And there were significantly higher concentraion of CSF HVA in schizophrenic patients with family history compared with those in patients without family history. Among general psychopathology subscales somatic concern(G1) and uncooperativeness(G8) subscales were higher in patients with family history.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that central noradrenergic activity may be decreased and/or the central dopaminergic activity increased in schizophrenics with family history compared to those without family history. Although not sure to indicate that CSF MHPG and HVA levels are biological markers of genetic etiology, these findings support the family history positive and negative dichotomy of schizophrenia.