CSF monoamine metabolites in dementia of the Alzheimer type and controls: Evidence for lower levels of homovanillic acid and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid in patients

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Abstract
The monoamine metabolites 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured in 15 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and 48 controls by means of a sensitive liquid chromotagraphic method. Relative to a large group of control subjects, the mean CSF 5‐HIAA and HVA levels in patients with DAT appeared to be significantly lower. This finding appeared to be sex‐related, in that the decrease in CSF monoamine metabolite levels could be attributed predominantly to male patients. A statistically significant relationship was found between 5‐HIAA and HVA in both patients and controls. Linear regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between age and CSF HVA in female controls only. No relationship was found between 5‐HIAA and age either in patients or in controls. It is concluded that CSF 5‐HIAA and HVA levels are decreased in male patients with DAT, probably signalling a sex‐related change in serotonin and probably dopamine functioning in the central nervous system.