Blood levels of neurotransmitters in Yusho patients: An approach via the descending pain inhibitory pathway for persistent sensory disturbance

Yusho, a dioxin poisoning incident in Japan, has resulted in patients experiencing persistent symptoms, including sensory disturbances, decades after the initial exposure. This study investigated the potential involvement of the descending pain inhibitory system in Yusho patients. Serum serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels were measured in 29 Yusho patients and 29 age-matched healthy controls. No significant differences in these neurotransmitters were observed between the two groups. However, weak correlations were found between polychlorinated biphenyl levels and dopamine (r = 0.4310, p = 0.0315) in Yusho patients. This study provides new insights into the pathophysiology of cutaneous sensory disorders and highlights the need for further research to clarify the long-term effects of dioxin exposure on Yusho patients.