title: Peptides' role in autism with emphasis on exorphins.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The nature of the peptides found increased in urine from autism needs verification of their structure, especially those that show opioid activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The peptides were separated on reverse phase C-18 HPLC in Trifluoroacetic acid-acetonitril gradients. Peaks eluting where synthetic opioids appear, and peaks that are common to most autistic children were analyzed by mass spectrometry and fragmentation pattern on a quadropole mass-spectrometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We could demonstrate exorphins in the urine from autistic children, and their length varied from one patient to the next.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exorphins are found in urine of autistic children and may account for their symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Karl L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Reichelt
authors.forename: Dag
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tveiten
authors.forename: Anne-Mari
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Knivsberg
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brønstad
keywords: autism; exorphins; mass-spectroscopy; peptides