The concentrations of monoamine metabolites and neuropeptides in the cerebrospinal fluid of obese women with different body fat distribution.

Abstract

Although the concentrations of monoamine metabolites and neuropeptides in the CSF sampled at the level of the lumber spine might not be representative for those at regulatory centers in the brain, the findings suggest that low 5-HIAA is characteristic of human obesity, and coupled to CRH as well as eating abnormalities, particularly in abdominal obesity. Since CRH is regulating the balance between the autonomic nervous systems, insulin secretion and thermogenesis in animals, corresponding anomalies in abdominal obesity in humans may have a central origin.