Posted by Larry Hoover on November 12, 2003, at 6:40:35
In reply to Re: How do I measure CNS levels of serotinon, posted by stjames on November 4, 2003, at 8:26:56
> A spinal tap is the only way I know of, to sample CSF. PET scanning for this is an experimental method.
Quite correct, but the spinal tap only measures downstream metabolites. There are a number of variables which influence that, for example MAO-A and MAO-B activity, nutritional status, toxicants (e.g. pesticide exposure), and so on.
Urinalysis is even more downstream than that, being contributed to not only via diffusion from cerebro-spinal fluid, but also containing the remnants of peripheral neurotransmitter metabolism. Correlating that to brain levels is absurd. Even the idea that brain levels tell us anything might be absurd, so the entire premise is based on a premise.
There is no way to measure neurotransmitters that is of any real value, in my perhaps not so humble scientific opinion. Anyone who says otherwise charges a fee for the "service". Need I say any more?
In any case, anybody who "measures" urine neurotransmitter correlates also offers "therapies", right? So, just try different therapies, based on symptoms. Nobody would be having their urine tested who didn't already have symptoms, would they?
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:275826
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031104/msgs/278916.html