title: The influence of intravenous L-tryptophan on plasma melatonin and sleep in men.
abstract: The sleep-inducing mechanisms of L-Tryptophan (L-Trp) are generally thought to be mediated by a central serotonergic activation. Evidence is presented that some effects of L-Trp on sleep may be mediated by melatonin, a Trp-metabolite with sedative properties. Trp effects on vigilance, sleep, and plasma-melatonin concentrations were measured after double-blind application of 0, 1, 3, and 5 g L-Trp in nine and five healthy probands during daytime and nighttime, respectively. A significant sleep-inducing effect was observed after L-Trp administration during daytime and nighttime. The infusions of L-Trp caused a massive elevation of plasma melatonin levels. This effect was significant both during the night and the day, indicating that the increment of circulating melatonin may be of extrapineal origin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, Germany.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hajak
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huether
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blanke
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blömer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Freyer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Poeggeler
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reimer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodenbeck
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schulz-Varszegi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rüther
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014364:Tryptophan; D008550:Melatonin