Platelet [³H]imipramine binding in autism and schizophrenia

[³H]Imipramine binding to platelet membranes was evaluated in ten autistics, eight schizophrenics and seven normal controls. The schizophrenics and eight out of the ten autistics were maintained on chronic neuroleptic treatment. Diagnosis of autism and schizophrenia was established according to the DSM-III criteria. No significant difference in the maximal binding capacity of [³H]imipramine (B_max) and K_d values could be found among the three groups. It seems that the imipramine binding site is intact both in autism and schizophrenia.