Cerebrospinal fluid biogenic amine metabolites in fibromyalgia/fibrositis syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the levels of biogenic amines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFS) patients with those in the CSF of controls.

Methods: Metabolites of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine were identified in CSF, using high performance liquid chromatography with coulometric detection.

Results: CSF levels of metabolites from all 3 neurotransmitters were lower in PFS patients than in controls.

Conclusion: A low rate of turnover of several neurotransmitters supports the proposed hypothesis of a metabolic defect in PFS and suggests that the defect occurs at a neuroregulatory level.