Prophylactic Effect of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan on Self-Mutilation in the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

Abstract

Four cases of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome found in the Tokyo area were given L-5-hydroxytryptophan orally. L-5-hydroxytryptophan relieved self-mutilation effectively without causing any side effects. However this substance did not alleviate choreoathetoid movement. Self-destructive behavior may be caused by an imbalance of cerebral amines, especially of serotonin. L-5-hydroxytryptophan - Lesch-Nyhan syndrome - Self-mutilation