Elevated plasma levels of S-100b protein in schizophrenic patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In this study, we examined the possibility that structural damage to the brain may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

METHODS:

We compared plasma levels of S-100b protein in 20 patients with schizophrenic psychosis and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy blood donors. Concentrations of S-100 protein were determined by microtiter-based immunofluorometric assay detecting predominantly S-100b.

RESULTS:

Mean concentrations of S-100b protein in blood were significantly (p < or = .001) higher in schizophrenic patients (0.165 +/- 0.138 microgram/L) compared to control subjects (0.054 +/- 0.031 microgram/L). Levels did not correlate with age of onset or duration of psychosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate that patients with schizophrenia may suffer ongoing structural damage to cells of the central nervous system, and that the concentration of S-100b protein in plasma may help to identify clinical subgroups in schizophrenia.

• Authors: M Wiesmann, K P Wandinger, U Missler, D Eckhoff, M Rothermundt, V Arolt, H Kirchner
• Journal: Biological psychiatry (Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 45 Issue 11 Pg. 1508-11 (Jun 01 1999) ISSN: 0006-3223 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10356634 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Nerve Growth Factors
• S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit
• S100 Proteins

Topics

• Adult
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Brain (physiopathology)
• Case-Control Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nerve Degeneration (blood)
• Nerve Growth Factors
• S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit
• S100 Proteins (blood)
• Schizophrenia (blood, physiopathology)