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A longitudinal study of neurobiological mechanisms in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: preliminary
L H Pick1, J M Halperin, S T Schwartz
1Department of Psychology, Queens College of the City University of New York, New York 11367, USA.
Background:
The stability and developmental variation of several neurobiological measures in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were examined.
Methods:
The prolactin (PRL) response to fenfluramine (FEN) challenge was used to assess central serotonergic (5-HT) functioning in 10 8-11-year-old boys with ADHD. In addition, platelet 5-HT, as well as plasma levels of the catecholamine metabolites 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and homovanillic acid were ascertained. These neurobiological variables were reassessed in the same children 2-3 years later using the identical procedures.
Results:
The PRL response to FEN challenge was the only measure found to be stable across the evaluations (r = .58), although the magnitude of the response decreased significantly with age. Plasma MHPG level significantly increased with age.
Conclusions:
Central 5-HT function, as measured by the PRL response to FEN, may represent a stable trait. The importance of considering developmental factors when interpreting neurobiological data is discussed.
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