title: Plasma tryptophan to large neutral amino acid ratios in depressed and normal subjects.
abstract: The ratios of total and free plasma tryptophan to the sum of five large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) were found to be significantly lower in a group of 16 depressed inpatients compared to nine normal subjects after oral loading with L-tryptophan. The group differences in these ratios were significant before, and 2 weeks after starting treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant. Plasma tryptophan ratios and severity of depression were not significantly correlated.
authors: New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division, White Plains 10605.
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Russ
authors: S H
authors: SH
authors: Ackerman
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Banay-Schwartz
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Shindledecker
authors: G P
authors: GP
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000097:blood*; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000187:drug effects; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003891:Desipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D014364:Tryptophan; D009661:Nortriptyline; D007099:Imipramine; D003891:Desipramine