DEPRESSED CONCENTRATIONS OF OXYTOCIN AND CORTISOL IN CHILDREN WITH RECURRENT ABDOMINAL-PAIN OF NONORGANIC ORIGIN

The purpose of the present study was to measure plasma concentrations of oxytocin, cortisol and prolactin in children with recurrent abdomin al pain of non-organic origin (RAP). Forty children with RAP and 34 co ntrols, matched for age and sex, participated in the study. A blood sa mple was collected after an overnight fast in association with clinica l examinations. Oxytocin, cortisol and prolactin levels were determine d by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Oxytocin and cortisol concentrations in t he children with RAP were found to be significantly reduced compared w ith those of the controls (approximately 24 versus 63 pmol/l for oxyto cin and 160 versus 300 nmol/l for cortisol, respectively). The low oxy tocin and cortisol levels persisted at a second examination 3 months l ater. No significant differences in the prolactin levels were observed between IAP and controls.