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Urinary MHPG excretion in minimal brain dysfunction and its modification by d-amphetamine
Abstract:
The authors studied the excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenlyglycol (MHPG) in 15 hyperactive boys and 13 controls. They further examined soft neurologic signs and clinical drug response to d-amphetamine administration for two weeks in the hyperactive boys. MHPG excretion was significantly lower in the hyperactive boys than in the controls. d-Amphetamine decreased MHPG excretion significantly in the drug responders only. Pretreatment MHPG excretion did not predict clinical drug response. The responders had more soft neurologic signs than the nonresponders. Furthermore, soft neurologic signs were not related to pretreatment MHPG levels.
Insights
Hyperactive boys showed lower 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenlyglycol (MHPG) excretion. D-amphetamine reduced MHPG in responders, who also had more soft neurologic signs, but MHPG levels did not predict response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Biochemical markers, such as MHPG, are investigated for diagnostic and therapeutic insights.
- Soft neurologic signs may indicate underlying neurological differences in hyperactive individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MHPG excretion differences between hyperactive boys and controls.
- To examine the effect of d-amphetamine on MHPG excretion in hyperactive boys.
- To explore the relationship between MHPG levels, soft neurologic signs, and d-amphetamine response.
Main Methods:
- Urine MHPG levels were measured in 15 hyperactive boys and 13 controls.
- Hyperactive boys received d-amphetamine for two weeks.
- Soft neurologic signs were assessed, and clinical drug response was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Hyperactive boys exhibited significantly lower MHPG excretion compared to controls.
- D-amphetamine significantly decreased MHPG excretion in drug responders but not non-responders.
- Drug responders presented with more soft neurologic signs than non-responders.
- Pretreatment MHPG levels did not predict clinical response to d-amphetamine.
- Soft neurologic signs were not correlated with baseline MHPG levels.
Conclusions:
- Reduced MHPG excretion may be a biomarker for hyperactivity in boys.
- The interaction between MHPG, soft neurologic signs, and d-amphetamine response warrants further investigation.
- Soft neurologic signs might be more indicative of treatment response than baseline MHPG levels.