Neopterin and biopterin are by-products of the redox reactions involving tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). BH4 functions as a cofactor for the enzymes responsible for the production of monoamine neurotransmitters (ephinepherine, norepinephrine, DOPA, serotonin), and as a cofactor in nitric oxide production.
Neopterin is a marker of inflammation and cellular immune response, allowing detection and monitoring of inflammatory processes.
Neopterin may be elevated in:
- Infections
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus, and Atopic Asthma
- Conditions of T-cell or macrophages activation
- Psychiatric disorders
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Neurological Disease
