Journal of Mental Science (1931) 77: 53-66. doi: 10.1192/bjp.77.316.53
© 1931 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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The Significance of Cholesterol in Cellular Oxidation and its Bearing on Mental Disorder

B. H. Shaw, M.D., B.Ch.R.U.I., Medical Superintendent and J. S. Sharpe, M.B., Ch.B.Glasgow, Assistant Medical Officer (Biochemist)

County Mental Hospital, Stafford

ABSTRACT

The following facts are demonstrated:

  1. The inhibitory influence of cholesterol on hæmolysis and its activation by lecithin, also the presence of a thermolabile ferment in serum which activates hæmolysis, and which appears to vary directly with the blood cholesterol content.
  2. The influence of cholesterol as a controlling factor in oxidative processes, its controlling power being best exercised in relation to lecithin in the ratio to that substance normally existing in blood.
  3. That lecithin has an attractive influence on potassium ions, and that the presence of cholesterol in the membrane definitely retards diffusion of potassium.
  4. The retarding effect of cholesterol on the anionic movement of colloidal lecithin.
  5. That increase of protein diet has no effect in stimulating metabolism in dementia præcox.
  6. That the blood-cholesterol content in dementia præcox is greatly diminished, while abnormal increase is noted in states of mania.
  7. That in general paralysis there is great diminution of cholesterol in the brain substance.