Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity: Clinical applications in child psychiatry

Abstract

Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity was measured in 44 children with psychiatric disorders and 44 controls in order to determine significant variables affecting its potential use as a marker for specific molecular pathology in the neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood. The assay procedure was reliable and the serum enzyme activity for individuals appears to be stable. There is a very broad distribution of serum DBH activity in the population, and it is similar in males and females. The genetic determination of serum DBH activity was clear in this study, and the enzyme activity increased with age through childhood and adolescence. Thyroid hormone had no effect on serum DBH activity in euthyroid subjects. No difference in mean serum DBH activity emerged across diagnostic groups. When the findings were considered in relation to the results of other studies, it was concluded that the wide range of serum DBH activities in normal and patient populations, as well as developmental effects on the activity of the enzyme, make comparison of DBH activity among diagnostic groups in childhood difficult. Large subject groups, and a consideration of genetic and developmental effects, will clarify possible syndrome-related differences in enzyme activity.

Plasma β‐Endorphin, Adrenocorticotropin Hormone, and Cortisol in Autism

“…Specifically, studies of urine norepinephrine, epinephrine, or MHPG (Minderaa, Anderson, Volkmar, Akkerhius, & Cohen, 1994;, of CSF MHPG , of urinary cortisol (Richdale & Prior, 1992), of plasma MHPG (Minderaa et al, 1994;Young, Cohen, Hattox, et al, 1981), of serum DBH (Lake et al, 1977, Young, Kyprie, Ross, & Cohen, 1980, and of plasma cortisol (this study, and see Table 1) have all reported similar group mean levels in subjects with autism and control subjects. Thus, the research has been fairly consistent in finding that measures reflective of basal stress response system functioning are not increased in autism.…”

Catecholamines metabolism in infantile autism: A controlled study of 22 autistic children

“…This metabolic pathway is controlled by dopamine-~-hydroxylase. As seen previously, the measurement of the activity of this enzyme in the serum of autistc children has shown reduced or unchanged levels (Goldstein et al, 1976;Lake et al, 1977, Young et al, 1980. However, there is no evidence to support the hypothesis of the dopamine/norepinephrine interconversion in the plasma.…”

“…This enzymatic activity is considered an index of noradrenergic activity. Its measure in autism has also led to conflicting results: Whereas Goldstein, Manahand, Lee, and Coleman (1976) and Lake, Ziegler, and Murphy (1977) found a decrease, compared to controls, Young, Kyprie, Ross, and Cohen (1980) found no difference. In one study (Belmaker, Hattab, & Ebstein, 1978) plasmatic DBH activity was superior in children with various types of psychoses than in children with organic cerebral disease or mental retardation.…”