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.
Roy
A
A
Laboratory of Clinical Studies, DICBR, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland.
Adinoff
B
B
DeJong
J
J
Linnoila
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D006801:Humans; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D008297:Male; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D008875:Middle Aged; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D012621:Seasons; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
D009479:Neuropeptides; D012701:Serotonin; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D009638:Norepinephrine; D006719:Homovanillic Acid