Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in diabetics.

Plateiet monoamine ox!dase (MAO) activity was determined, using benzylainine as substract. Results are expressed as nM benzaidehyde/nig protein hour, at 37. A total of 79 diabetics (40 M and 39 F) ranging in age from 3 to 70 years was stud,ed. A normal control group inciuded 39 persons (17 M and 22 F) ranging in age from 16 to 60 years. Piatelet MAO activity shows a slight variation in relation to age 1 ni>t significant). But, in each age group, diabetics have an increased activity in comparison with normais. MAO activity of the plasma shows no sigriificant difference In relation o, age or sex, but the values for diabetics are approximateiy twice the normal. The activity of MAO in platelets shows a significant increase in activity in d,abetics of either sex, in comparison to normal individuais. Besides, women show a significantly increased activity. No relationship svas found between platelet MAO activity of young s’s old diabetics, juvenile onset: insulin es non insulin treated, dura tion of the disease, or presence es absence of retinopathy.