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Intra- and inter-individual relationships between central and peripheral serotonergic activity in humans: a serial
J R Strawn1, N N Ekhator, R M Anthenelli
1Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati VAMC and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. strwanjr@ucmail.uc.edu
Life Sciences
|July 4, 2002
Summary
Longitudinal changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) are reflected in plasma 5-HIAA in individuals. However, this relationship is weaker in smokers, limiting plasma 5-HIAA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Limited data exist on the longitudinal relationship between central and peripheral 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in humans.
- The influence of tobacco smoking and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on 5-HIAA concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal covariability and cross-sectional balance of CSF and plasma 5-HIAA concentrations.
- To examine the association between tobacco smoking, PTSD, and CSF/plasma 5-HIAA levels.
Main Methods:
- Serial CSF and plasma sampling over 6 hours in healthy volunteers and PTSD patients.
- Measurement of 5-HIAA concentrations in both CSF and plasma.
- Analysis of the relationship between CSF and plasma 5-HIAA, considering smoking status.
Main Results:
- CSF 5-HIAA concentrations were similar between PTSD patients and healthy volunteers.
- Significant positive correlations between individual CSF and plasma 5-HIAA levels were observed.
- This CSF-plasma 5-HIAA relationship was significantly reduced in smokers compared to nonsmokers.
Conclusions:
- Individual changes in CSF 5-HIAA over time are largely mirrored in plasma 5-HIAA, particularly in nonsmokers.
- Longitudinal plasma 5-HIAA measurements may infer relative changes in integrated CSF 5-HIAA.
- Plasma 5-HIAA does not provide significant information on absolute CSF 5-HIAA levels.
