ISSN:
1573-3432
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Psychology
Notes:
Abstract Plasma levels of testosterone and the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured in male autistic subjects (31 prepubertal, 8 postpubertal), mentally retarded/cognitively impaired subjects (MR, 12 prepubertal), and normal control subjects (NC, 10 prepubertal, 11 postpubertal). Mean levels of plasma testosterone were similar in the postpubertal autistic (4.54+1.12 ng/ml) and postpubertal NC (5.02±1.87 ng/ml) groups. Plasma DHEA-S levels in postpubertal autistic (2170±1020 ng/ml) and postpubertal NC (1850±77 ng/ml) groups also were not significantly different. Similarly, no significant group differences were seen for testosterone or DHEA-S in the prepubertal autistic, MR, or NC individuals, although prepubertal MR individuals with cerebral palsy did have increased plasma DHEA-S levels compared to age-matched MR or NC individuals. Significant negative correlations were found between testosterone and whole blood serotonin (5-HT) levels in the combined (all subjects, all ages) groups and in the autistic group, suggesting that the effect of puberty on whole blood 5-HT may deserve further study. Data indicate that altered secretion of the androgens is not a common feature of autism. However, abnormalities of adrenal androgen secretion may be present in individuals with cerebral palsy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02179290
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