title: [Variations in blood serotonin during antiepileptic therapy].
abstract: 5-OH-tryptamine blood levels, at 8 and 12 a.m., were determined in a 32 epileptics sample, receiving anticonvulsant therapy. As compared to normal controls, 5-HT blood levels in epileptics significatively decreased in the second measurement probably in consequence of anticonvulsant drugs. Moreover 5-HT blood levels decreased more outstandingly in those patients who were treated with more than one anticonvulsant drug. To explain results, two hypotheses are proposed: an inhibiting effect of anticonvulsant drugs on 5-HT catabolizing enzymes, or an increased tryptophan in C.N.S./tryptophan in the blood ratio, induced by therapy.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D012701:Serotonin
vernacular_title: Variazioni della serotonina ematica in corso di terapia antiepi lettica.