Cerebrospinal fluid S-adenosylmethionine in depression and dementia: effects of treatment with parenteral and oral S-adenosylmethionine. Issue 12 (December 1990)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bottiglieri, T; Godfrey, P; Flynn, T; Carney, M W; Toone, B K; Reynolds, E H
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 53:Issue 12(1990)
• Page Start: 1096
• Page End: 1098
• Publication Date: 1990-12
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.53.12.1096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels were significantly lower in severely depressed patients than in a neurological control group. The administration of SAM either intravenously or orally is associated with a significant rise of CSF SAM, indicating that it crosses the blood-brain barrier in humans. These observations provide a rational basis for the antidepressant effect of SAM, which has been confirmed in several countries. CSF SAM levels were low in a group of patients with Alzheimer's dementia suggesting a possible disturbance of methylation in such patients and the need for trials of SAM treatment.