Title
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Faulty serotonin DHEA interactions in autism: results of the 5-hydroxytryptophan challenge test
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Author
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Autism is accompanied by peripheral and central disorders in the metabolism of serotonin (5-HT). The present study examines plasma dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S) and the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio following administration of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the direct precursor of 5-HT, to autistic patients. METHODS: Plasma DHEA-S levels were determined both before and after administration of 5-HTP or placebo, on two consecutive days in a single blind order in 18 male autistic patients and 22 matched healthy controls. RESULTS: The 5-HTP-induced DHEA-S responses were significantly higher in autistic patients than in controls. In baseline conditions, the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio was significantly higher in autistic patients than in controls. Discussion: The results suggest that autism is accompanied by a major disequilibrium in the serotonergic system. The increased Cortisol (neurotoxic) versus DHEA-S (neuroprotective) ratio suggests that an increased neurotoxic potential occurs in autism. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that a disequilibrium in the peripheral and central turnover of serotonin and an increased neurotoxic capacity by glucocorticoids are important pathways in autism. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Neuroendocrinology letters. - Weinheim
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Publication
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Weinheim
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2008
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ISSN
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0172-780X
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Volume/pages
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29
:3
(2008)
, p. 385-390
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ISI
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000257677800017
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