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

Background: In this study, we examined the possibility that structural damage to the brain may play a role in rite 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 less than or equal to.002) higher in schizophrenic patients (0.165 +/- 0.138 mu g/L) compared to control subjects (0.054 +/- 0.031 mu g/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. (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry.