Plasma tryptophan to large neutral amino acid ratios in depressed and normal subjects.
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.
Russ
M J
MJ
New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division, White Plains 10605.
Ackerman
S H
SH
Banay-Schwartz
M
M
Shindledecker
R D
RD
Smith
G P
GP
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*
D000596:Amino Acids; D014364:Tryptophan; D009661:Nortriptyline; D007099:Imipramine; D003891:Desipramine