The authors measured the urinary metabolites 3-methoxy-4-
hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in 21 hyperactive
boys and 12 matched healthy boys. The hyperactive boys excreted lower
amounts of MHPG than control boys. Hyperactive drug responders excreted
lower amounts of HVA than control boys and hyperactive nonresponders. Drug
responders with normal MHPG excreted low amounts of HVA and those with
normal HVA excreted low amounts of MHPG. d-Amphetamine decreased MHPG in
all drug responders and HVA in drug responders with normal HVA levels,
although it tended to increase HVA in those with low HVA levels. The
authors discuss their data in terms of the possible involvement of
norepinephrine and dopamine in the etiology of hyperactivity in
children.Abstract Teaser