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Antineuronal antibodies: tics and obsessive-compulsive symptoms
L S Kiessling1, A C Marcotte, L Culpepper
1Department of Pediatrics, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or symptoms (OCS) show increased antibodies targeting the basal ganglia, suggesting a potential autoimmune link. This indicates a generalized central nervous system response rather than specific caudate nucleus involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is increasingly studied for potential neuroimmune underpinnings.
- Previous research in adults with childhood-onset OCD noted reduced caudate nucleus volume, but not putamen volume.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate basal ganglia involvement in children with OCD or obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS).
- To determine if serum antibodies indicate specific or generalized central nervous system (CNS) immune responses in pediatric OCS.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed fluorescent serum antibody levels in 38 children with OCS/ADHD and 19 ADHD controls.
- Utilized fluorescent serum antibody determinations to detect antibodies against caudate and putamen.
Main Results:
- Clinical cases with OCS showed significantly higher rates of antibodies against the caudate nucleus, putamen, or both compared to controls.
- Antibody prevalence suggested basal ganglia involvement in OCS, with no differential effect favoring caudate over putamen.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings provide evidence for basal ganglia involvement in pediatric OCS.
- The results suggest a generalized CNS immune response in children with OCS, potentially implicating autoimmune mechanisms.