Tryptophan as an evolutionarily conserved signal to brain serotonin: molecular evidence and psychiatric implications

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry
Sascha RussoJakob Korf

Abstract

The role of serotonin (5-HT) in psychopathology has been investigated for decades. Among others, symptoms of depression, panic, aggression and suicidality have been associated with serotonergic dysfunction. Here we summarize the evidence that low brain 5-HT signals a metabolic imbalance that is evolutionarily conserved and not specific for any specific psychiatric diagnosis. The synthesis and neuronal release of brain 5-HT depends on the concentration of free tryptophan in blood and brain because the affinity constant of neuronal tryptophan hydroxylase is in that concentration range. This relationship is evolutionarily conserved. Degradation of tryptophan, resulting in lower blood levels and impaired cerebral production and release of serotonin, is enhanced by inter alia inflammation, pregnancy and stress in all species investigated, including humans. Consequently, tryptophan may not only serve as a nutrient, but also as a bona fide signalling amino acid. Humans suffering from inflammatory and other somatic diseases accompanied by low tryptophan levels, exhibit disturbed social behaviour, increased irritability and lack of impulse control, rather than depression. Under particular circumstances, such behaviour may have survival ...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 26, 2009·Human Mutation·Jeffrey A McKinneyJan Haavik
Apr 8, 2010·Human Psychopharmacology·Debbie G A JanssenBernhard T Baune
Apr 1, 2011·Clinical Epigenetics·Drozdstoy StojanovGeorgi Popov
Jun 16, 2010·The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry·Kirsty KiezebrinkJohn E Blundell

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