title: Platelet and intestinal 5-HT2A receptor mRNA in autistic spectrum disorders - results of a pilot study.
abstract: The etiology and pathogenesis of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are still unknown. Platelet hyperserotonemia has been detected in 25-60% of autistic children. Higher incidence of gastrointestinal problems in people with autism is observed. The aim was compare the expression of platelet 5-HT(2A)r mRNA in autistic and non autistic groups. In a subgroup of patients with gastrointestinal problems an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy was performed and additionally the expression of 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA in the duodenum was assessed. The examination was conducted in 79 children - 51 with ASD and 28 without autistic traits. Statistically significant differences between the study and control groups were proven in gastrointestinal problems. The analyses reveal a significantly higher level of 5-HT(2A)r mRNA in platelets of the study group patients, which could suggest serotonin system dysregulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Neurology, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland. beakazek@op.pl.
authors.forename: Beata
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kazek
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huzarska
authors.forename: Urszula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kajor
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciupińska-Kajor
authors.forename: Halina
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Woś
authors.forename: Elzbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marszał
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004386:Duodenum / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011044:Poland; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D044402:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A / Q000235:genetics*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D044402:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A; D012701:Serotonin