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Neurotransmitter Metabolites (Urine) - DUTCH

Urine

Performed by: Precision Analytical (DUTCH)

These organic acids are the primary metabolite of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. People with an imbalance in these neurotransmitters may experience symptoms that are also common with an imbalance in hormones. Hormones (cortisol and estrogen are examples) included in DUTCH testing also directly alter some of these metabolites, so their inclusion provides an even more comprehensive picture of your patient’s hormone health.

The neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin are important for human health. Measuring neurotransmitters directly (direct testing of serotonin, for example) is difficult because of their instability and their urinary measurements are controversial with respect to how well they reflect the body’s levels of these neuro-hormones. Each of these neurotransmitters can be assessed indirectly by measuring their urine metabolites. While these metabolites are not a perfect reflection of what’s going on in the brain, the scientific literature does affirm their use for a good representation of overall levels of these neurotransmitters.

Biomarkers included in this panel:

5-Hydroxyindoleacetate (5HIAA)

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) is a breakdown product of serotonin that is excreted in the urine. Serotonin is a hormone found at high levels in many body tissues. Serotonin and 5HIAA are produced in excess amounts by carcinoid tumors, and levels

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8-OHdG (Waking)

8-OHdG measures the effect of endogenous oxidative damage to DNA. The marker is used to estimate the risk for various cancers and degenerative diseases. Adjusting treatments and lifestyle to minimize the presence of 8-OHdG is a productive step t

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Homovanillate (HVA) (DUTCH)

Homovanillate (aka Homovanillic Acid) is a dopamine metabolite. Homovanillate and Vanilmandelate are breakdown products from neurotransmitters involved in hormone and nerve impulse transmission, called catecholamines.

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Melatonin (Waking)

Melatonin is not technically an adrenal or sex hormone however it is highly involved in the entire endocrine system. It is made in small amounts in the pineal gland in response to darkness and stimulated by Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH). A low

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Quinolinate

Quinolinate is a neurotoxin derived from tryptophan. Elevated quinolinate is seen in brain and nerve tissue damage, especially in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, motor neuron disease

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Vanilmandelate (VMA)

Vanilmandelate is a metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline).

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