URINARY AMINES IN TOURETTES-SYNDROME PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT PHENYLETHYLAMINE ABNORMALITY

Previous data indicated a subgroup of Tourette's syndrome patients with a β-phenylethylamine (PEA) level that was lower than all subjects in a control group matched for age and education. The current study compared the subgroups of Tourette's syndrome patients (n=28) from the previous study with 20 control subjects in regard to other amines and metabolites. Patients with low levels of PEA were also found to have lower levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, normetanephrine, serotonin, m-tyramine, and p-tyramine. There was also some evidence of dopaminergic abnormalities in the low-PEA subgroup. These data provide suggest a role of PEA in the pathophysiology of some patients with Tourette's syndrome. This effect may be mediated through other neurotransmitter systems. © 1990.