L-histidine decarboxylase and Tourette's syndrome

An analysis of linkage in a two-generation pedigree leading to the identification of a rare functional mutation in the HDC gene encoding L-histidine decarboxylase and Tourette's syndrome, the rate-limiting enzyme in histamine biosynthesis is described. The study findings along with the published data from model system provide insight into the role for histaminergic neurotransmission in the mechanism and modulation of Tourette's syndrome and tics.