MONOAMINE METABOLITES IN BIOLOGICAL-FLUIDS OF MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS PATIENTS

The levels of some monoamine metabolites were evaluated in cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) and in urine of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at different degree of severity and in normal controls. The sympathetic nerve activity was also analysed in the same patients. The only differences concerned the concentration of noradrenaline metabolites 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) in CSF and of MHPG plus 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA) in urine of patients with clinically defined MS. These patients showed increased values of CSF MHPG and of urinary MHPG + VMA, suggesting an enhanced turnover of noradrenaline. These data support the hypothesis of a higher activity of central noradrenergic neurons in subjects most affected by the illness.