title: Expression of a neural cell adhesion molecule serum fragment is depressed in autism.
abstract: The level of a neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) serum fragment in autism was determined by using an antiserum prepared with immunoaffinity purified mouse NCAM. Autistic patients (N = 16) had statistically significantly decreased serum NCAM levels compared with age-matched controls (p less than 0.0005). This observation could not be attributed to a medication-induced effect. Depressed serum NCAM levels in autism are distinct from schizophrenia, in which serum NCAM levels are elevated.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto.
authors: A V
authors: AV
authors: Plioplys
authors: S E
authors: SE
authors: Hemmens
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: Regan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal