Origin of the blood hyperserotonemia of autism.
BACKGROUND
Research in the last fifty years has shown that many autistic individuals have elevated serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels in blood platelets. This phenomenon, known as the platelet hyperserotonemia of autism, is considered to be one of the most well-replicated findings in biological psychiatry. Its replicability suggests that many of the genes involved in autism affect a small number of biological networks. These networks may also play a role in the early development of the autistic brain.


RESULTS
We developed an equation that allows calculation of platelet 5-HT concentration as a function of measurable biological parameters. It also provides information about the sensitivity of platelet 5-HT levels to each of the parameters and their interactions.


CONCLUSIONS
The model yields platelet 5-HT concentrations that are consistent with values reported in experimental studies. If the parameters are considered independent, the model predicts that platelet 5-HT levels should be sensitive to changes in the platelet 5-HT uptake rate constant, the proportion of free 5-HT cleared in the liver and lungs, the gut 5-HT production rate and its regulation, and the volume of the gut wall. Linear and non-linear interactions among these and other parameters are specified in the equation, which may facilitate the design and interpretation of experimental studies.
Janusonis
Skirmantas
S
Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9660, USA. janusonis@psych.ucsb.edu
D001011:Aorta / Q000378:metabolism; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D012701:Serotonin