title: Plasma serotonin levels are normal in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
abstract: Serotonin (5-HT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hypothesized that plasma 5-HT would be elevated in PAH related to associated conditions. We performed a prospective cohort study of 21 patients with PAH undergoing initial right heart catheterization and 6 healthy controls. Platelet-free plasma 5-HT levels were similar in patients with idiopathic PAH, PAH related to associated conditions, and healthy controls. Higher 5-HT levels correlated with increased six-minute walk distance (r=0.55, p=0.04). These data suggest that plasma 5-HT levels are normal in PAH. Plasma 5-HT may therefore not be a useful biomarker in this condition.
authors: Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
authors: David J
authors: DJ
authors: Lederer
authors: Evelyn M
authors: EM
authors: Horn
authors: Erika B
authors: EB
authors: Rosenzweig
authors: Wahida
authors: W
authors: Karmally
authors: Megan
authors: M
authors: Jahnes
authors: Robyn J
authors: RJ
authors: Barst
authors: Steven M
authors: SM
authors: Kawut
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin