Plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations in patients with schizophrenia

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is known to be a signaling molecule with many physiogical functions including apoptotic process regulation. Since apoptosis may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, this study was undertaken to determine the plasma concentrations of NO in schizophrenics. Methods: Nitrite/nitrate (NO2 – /NO3 – ) concentrations were measured in plasma from 40 patients with schizophrenia, and 36 age- and gender-matched healthy persons using a colorimetric test. Results: Plasma NO2 – /NO3 – concentrations were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia (102.8"34.7 mmol/L, p-0.0001) than in controls (69.2"13.2 mmol/L). Also, mean NO2 – /NO3 – values in female patients and con