Abnormal central catecholamine neurotransmission has been suggested in
Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome. The authors evaluated the sympathetic
nervous system in both the basal state and in its responsivity to postural
and exercise stress. Plasma norepinephrine and the activities of its
synthetic and degradative enzymes were not different in 33 Tourette
patients, a control group of unaffected relatives, and another control
group of unrelated healthy volunteers. This finding suggests that these
patients have neither a generalized dysfunction of norepinephrine
metabolism nor a defect in the central control of sympathetic function.Abstract Teaser