The analysis of selected neurotransmitter concentrations in serum of patients with Tourette syndrome
Abstract
Metabolic disturbances of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters are implicated in pathogenesis of Tourette syndrome (TS). The aim of the study was to measure serum concentrations of glutamic acid, g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine in TS patients and evaluate any correlation between neurotransmitter levels and age at onset, actual age, gender, tic severity, duration of the disease and concomitant psychiatric disorders. Sixty-seven TS patients, aged 16-59, and 57 healthy controls, aged 19-37, were enrolled in the study. Information regarding medical history and physical investigation was collected using a short questionnaire. Sixty-seven percent of patients were medication-free at the time of examination and the rest had withheld treatment for 24 hours before. Blood samples were taken after a 12-hour fasting period. HPLC technique was used. The TS group had higher glutamic acid and lower GABA levels. Glycine concentrations were comparable. No differences regarding neurotransmitter concentrations between treated and non-treated patients were found. Patients with concomitant obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe tics had higher glutamate levels. Glutamate concentrations correlated positively with the number of comorbi...Continue Reading
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