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A Study With and Without Probenecid Administration of Their Relationship to the State of Consciousness After Head Injury

Charles J. Vecht, PhD; Theo C.A.M. van Woerkom, MD; Albert W. Teelken, PhD; Jan M. Minderhoud, PhD

Arch Neurol. 1975;32(12):792-797.

Abstract
• Homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations were measured in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid of 98 patients after closed head injury. The HVA levels decreased in patients, whether or not they were given the drug probenecid, which inhibits the active transport of these acids from the brain. The decline of HVA was more notable in patients with the longest duration of unconsciousness. The HVA levels showed no correlation with the state of consciousness at the moment of the lumbar puncture. The 5-HIAA levels were below normal in the conscious patients, but, paradoxically, at about normal levels in unconscious patients. The overall results suggest a decreased cerebral dopamine and serotonin metabolism after head iniury.

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Jan 22, 1975.

Reprint requests to Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands (Dr Minderhoud).

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