title: Measurement in saliva from neurotypical adults of biomarkers pertinent to autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Measure biomarkers pertinent to autism in saliva from humans.
  
  
  METHODS
  At 7:30 PM (reading instructions) and 8:30 PM (hearing instructions), neurotypical adults (6 M, 6 F) each spat into tubes containing protease inhibitors. Cells were counted, samples aliquoted, frozen and thawed. Rationale was given for choice of biomarkers. ELISA: CD26, IL-12, carnitine, C4B, GSH, GSSG, MT-2, testosterone, IFN-γ. Mass spectrometry: cystine, glutamine, glutamic acid, GABA, serotonin. Electrochemiluminescentimmunoassay: cortisol. Radioimmunoassay: melatonin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cells averaged 2.16 × 106/ml. M > F: CD-26, C4B, MT-2. Testosterone, cortisol. Glutamine, glutamic acid, IFN-γ, melatonin and GSSG were measurable. Remaining biomarkers were measured in <50% of samples. Concentrations were equal at both times.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Saliva can be collected by literate individuals without added instruction. Ten biomarkers were measurable.
authors.affiliation: Edmond Enterprises, Danbury, CT 06810, USA; Edmond Enterprises, Danbury, CT 06810, USA.
authors.forename: Helen V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Ratajczak
authors.affiliation: College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA; College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA.
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Sothern
keywords: autism; biomarkers; measurement; patient-specific therapy; saliva