Platelet monoamine oxidase-B activity in type 1 alcohol-dependent subjects in sustained full remission

Aims: The present study investigated platelet monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activity in male alcohol-dependent subjects in sustained full remission (minimum 1 year), to exclude possible transient changes in platelet MAO-B activity, which occur up to several months after the end of alcohol intake. Methods: MAO-B activity was examined in 16 alcohol-dependent subjects, characterized as type 1 alcoholics, with an abstinence period of 6 +/- 7 years (mean +/- SD) and in 12 healthy controls. Results: The long-term abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects did not differ from controls in platelet MAO-B activity. Conclusions: Type 1 male alcohol-dependent subjects appear to have normal platelet MAO-B activity. The possibility, however, cannot be excluded that type 2 long-term abstinent alcoholics may have lower platelet MAO-B activity.