Uptake of ³H-spiperone by lymphocytes in schizophrenia

Uptake of ³H-spiperone into lymphocytes obtained from control subjects (N = 22), chronic schizophrenics (N = 20), relatives with psychiatric disorder (N = 11) and unaffected relatives (N = 17) was studied. No differences were observed in spiperone uptake among any of the groups examined. Although previous investigations reported marked differences in ³H-spiperone uptake between schizophrenic and control subjects, we were unable to replicate their findings: the failure to replicate those of Bondy and colleagues may well be due to our inability to duplicate in our laboratory the exact biochemical methodology described by these investigators. Saturation curves could not be determined for most subjects. In addition, chronicity of illness and long-term exposure to neuroleptic medication among the schizophrenic subjects may partially account for the contradictory results reported by different investigators.