title: Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in autistic children.
abstract: In the present study, plasma DBH activity and urinary HVA levels were measured in 19 autistic and 15 normal children. DBH activity was significantly elevated in the 8 less retarded autistic patients. In this subgroup, a negative correlation was found between plasma DBH and urinary HVA levels. These results support the hypothesis of a possible involvement of brain catecholamine dysfunction in the production of autistic symptoms.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002395:Catecholamines; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; D006719:Homovanillic Acid