Cerebrospinal fluid variables among alcoholics lack seasonal variation

Seasonal influences on indices of serotonergic function, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), have been reported in psychiatric patients and healthy volunteers. We examined seasonal differences in CSF concentrations of 5-HIAA among 135 alcoholics admitted to a research ward who had a lumbar puncture. No significant seasonal differences were found for either CSF concentrations of 5-HIAA or CSF concentrations of other monoamine metabolites or peptides. The possible explanations for these negative findings are discussed.