Changes in the lipid phase of erythrocyte membranes in patients with paranoid schizophrenia.

Considerable changes in the lipid phase of erythrocyte membranes were found in patients with paranoid schizophrenia. During exacerbation and remission of the disease the content of phosphatidylethanolamine decreases, while the amount of lysophosphatidylcholine decreases. These changes are accompanied by an increase in erythrocyte membrane microviscosity. Structural modification of the lipid phase in erythrocyte membranes in patients with schizophrenia is associated with intensification of lipid peroxidation.