Abstract
To the Editor: The paper by Van Woert et al. (N Engl J Med 296:70, 1977) on treatment of various types of myoclonus with agents to elevate brain serotonin levels is based upon a hypothesis and supporting data indicating a deficiency of serotonin concentration or turnover in critical regions of the brain. One important function in the regulation of serotonin is the neuronal reuptake mechanism, taking serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron from the synapse. Increased affinity of uptake for serotonin could have the effect of decreasing serotonin action on receptor sites and decreasing metabolism to 5-HIAA, as was reported. . . No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words. © 1977, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.