CSF monoamine levels in normal-weight bulimia: evidence for abnormal noradrenergic activity.
Normal-weight bulimic patients have disturbed appetite, mood, and neuroendocrine function and often respond to antidepressants. Since these findings suggest abnormalities in brain monoaminergic pathways, the authors measured CSF monoamine concentrations in 27 normal-weight bulimic patients and 14 volunteers. Bulimic patients had a significantly lower mean CSF norepinephrine concentration. Levels of CSF 5-HIAA, the major serotonin metabolite, and CSF HVA, the major dopamine metabolite, were normal, although more frequent binge-eating in bulimic subjects was associated with a significantly lower CSF HVA level. Whether trait- or state-related, monoaminergic disturbances are part of this disorder's neurobiological syndrome. The lower CSF norepinephrine concentration suggests bulimia is not simply a variant of affective disorders.
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213-2593.
W H
WH
Kaye
J C
JC
Ballenger
R B
RB
Lydiard
G W
GW
Stuart
M T
MT
Laraia
P
P
O'Neil
M D
MD
Fossey
V
V
Stevens
S
S
Lesser
G
G
Hsu
D000328:Adult; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D002032:Bulimia / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D005260:Female; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D006801:Humans; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid
D015306:Biogenic Monoamines; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D009638:Norepinephrine; D006719:Homovanillic Acid