title: [Indoleamine precursors in depression (author's transl)].
abstract: Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan have now been extensively investigated in affective disorders. There is now very good evidence that tryptophan increases the antidepressant activity of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The antidepressant activity of tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan has also been the subject of numerous investigations. There is evidence that patients with decreased cerebrospinal fluid concentration of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid respond particularly favourably to this treatment. The therapeutic activity of tryptophan has led to the investigation of the plasma concentration of tryptophan. Free plasma tryptophan, that is tryptophan unbound to plasma protein, appears decreased. There is also evidence that tryptophan and 5-HT transported are abnormal in depression.
mesh_terms: D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D008875:Middle Aged; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D012701:Serotonin; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D014364:Tryptophan
vernacular_title: Etudes cliniques et biologiques du L-tryptophane dans la dépression.