High blood monocyte counts and neopterin levels in children with autistic disorder.

Sweeten, Thayne L; Posey, David J; McDougle, Christopher J · Am J Psychiatry · 2003

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

Leukocyte counts and plasma neopterin levels were determined in autistic children and matched healthy comparison subjects. Blood from 31 autistic children and 28 age- and gender-matched healthy comparison subjects was analyzed for numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and total leukocytes and for plasma neopterin levels. The monocyte count and neopterin level were significantly higher in the autistic children than in the comparison subjects. These results suggest that the immune system may be activated in some children with autism.

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