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Phenylethylaminergic mechanisms in attention-deficit disorder
G B Baker1, R A Bornstein, A C Rouget
1PMHAC Research Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Insights
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to lower levels of key brain chemicals. This study found reduced urinary beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) and plasma phenylalanine (Phe) and p-tyrosine (Tyr) in children with ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neurochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Biochemical Analysis
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Biochemical alterations may play a role in ADHD pathophysiology.
- Specific neurotransmitter metabolites are implicated in brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in specific biochemical markers between children with ADHD and healthy controls.
- To quantify urinary and plasma levels of beta-phenylethylamine (PEA), phenylacetic acid (PAA), phenylalanine (Phe), and p-tyrosine (Tyr).
Main Methods:
- Collected 24-hour urine samples and plasma from 18 normal children and 26 children diagnosed with ADHD.
- Measured urinary excretion of PEA, PAA, Phe, and Tyr (per gram of creatinine).
- Assessed plasma levels of PAA, Phe, and Tyr.
Main Results:
- Urinary excretion of free and total PEA was significantly lower in children with ADHD.
- Plasma levels of phenylalanine (Phe) and p-tyrosine (Tyr) were decreased in ADHD subjects compared to controls.
- No significant difference was found in urinary phenylacetic acid (PAA) excretion.
Conclusions:
- Reduced levels of PEA, Phe, and Tyr may be associated with ADHD.
- These findings suggest potential neurochemical differences in ADHD.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic implications of these biochemical markers.
Abstract:
Urinary excretion (24-hr) of beta-phenylethylamine (PEA), phenylacetic acid (PAA), phenylalanine (Phe), and p-tyrosine (Tyr), and plasma levels of PAA, Phe, and Tyr were examined in 18 normal children and 26 children diagnosed as having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The results indicated that urinary excretion (expressed per g of creatinine) of free and total PEA was significantly lower in the ADHD patients, and plasma levels of Phe and Tyr were also decreased in the ADHD subjects compared with the normal controls.