Glial cell activation in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia indicated by increased S100B serum concentrations and elevated myo-inositol

Post-mortem and in-vivo studies support the hypothesis that astrocytes might be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. To further substantiate this hypothesis two markers of astroglial activation (myo-inositol, S100B) acquired with independent methods (1H-MRS, quantitative immunoassay) were concomitantly measured in schizophrenic patients. Patients with increased S100B levels showed elevated myo-inositol concentrations. This pilot study demonstrates a concomitant elevation of two markers indicating astrocyte activation in a subgroup of schizophrenic patients.