In:
Neuropsychobiology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 50, No. 2 ( 2004), p. 157-160
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 Hyperserotonemia has been reported in about a third of autistic patients. However, most studies have examined whole blood levels of serotonin (5-HT), the vast majority of which is found in platelets. The aim of this study was to determine 5-HT levels in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) in a group of adult patients with autism. 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 Levels of PPP 5-HT were compared between 10 adult drug-free autistic patients and 12 healthy controls. The Ritvo-Freeman Real-Life Rating Scale and the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) were administered to the autistic group as a measure of symptom severity. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 Significantly lower PPP 5-HT levels were observed in the autistic group as compared to the controls (p = 0.03). In addition, PPP 5-HT levels were inversely correlated with OAS scores among subjects with autism (r = –0.64, p 〈 0.05). 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 PPP 5-HT (‘free’) levels appear to be low in autistic patients and may play a role in the pathophysiology and symptomatology of the disorder.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0302-282X
,
1423-0224
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2004
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1483094-2
SSG:
5,2
SSG:
15,3
Permalink