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Neuropediatrics 1975; 6(1): 13-23
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1091647
Original article

© 1975 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Prophylactic Effect of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan on Self-Mutilation in the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

Teiichi Mizuno, Yasumi Yugari
  • The Health Service Center, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, and The Research Institute for Life Sciences, Central Research Laboratories, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Yokohama
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Publication History

1974

1974

Publication Date:
18 November 2008 (online)

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Four cases of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome found in the Tokyo area were given L-5-hydroxytryptophan orally. L-5-hydroxytryptophan relieved self-mutilation effectively without causing any side effects. However this substance did not alleviate choreoathetoid movement. Self-destructive behavior may be caused by an imbalance of cerebral amines, especially of serotonin.

L-5-hydroxytryptophan - Lesch-Nyhan syndrome - Self-mutilation

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