High Blood Monocyte Counts and Neopterin Levels in Children With Autistic Disorder

OBJECTIVE: Leukocyte counts and plasma neopterin levels were determined in autistic children and matched healthy comparison subjects. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: The monocyte count and neopterin level were significantly higher in the autistic children than in the comparison subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the immune system may be activated in some children with autism.