Platelet Serotonin Levels in Hyperactive Children

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Abstract
A group of reportedly hyperactive children, who were outpatients in a treatment center for children with behavioral disorders, were divided into three subgroups on the basis of clinical symptoms: I, hyperactive; 2, borderline hyperactive; and 3, nonhyperactive. Blood samples were drawn from the children when they had been drug-free for 48 hours and fasting overnight. Percent eosinophils [EOS] from a routine differential were reported. Platelets were counted in the whole blood specimens (WBPC) and in platelet-rich plasma. Platelets were isolated as a pellet and analyzed for protein and 5-HT concentrations. Free and total plasma tryptophan concentrations were also determined. Statistical analyses of the data indicated that Croup 2 children had significantly higher levels of5-HT. In all groups, WBPC was inversely related to 5-HT. In Groups I and 3, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between age and WBPC; in Group 2, age was correlated inversely with 5-HT in whole blood. In Group 1 children, EOS correlated positively with WBPC and negatively with STBP; age correlated directly with STBP. These correlations in Group I support the possibility that some hyperactive children may have allergic responses which are related to maturation, changes in 5-HT metabolism, and symptoms of hyperactivity. The increased platelet 5-HT concentrations in Group 2, if extrapolated to the neuronal level, indicate the possibility of raised neuronal levels of 5-HT which may lead to increased activity in serontonergic pathways and, possibly, to decreased activity in other biogenie amine pathways through “false” neurotransmission by 5-HT. The increased 5-HT levels could also indicate defective release or binding of 5-HT, in which case activity in the serotonergic pathways would be decreased. Levels of TRY did not vary significantly among the three groups of children, nor did they relate in any meaningful way to 5-HT levels.

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