title: Fenfluramine-induced behavior changes in rats prefed serotonin-altering amounts of tryptophan and pyridoxine.
abstract: It has been well established that elevated dietary tryptophan (TRP) levels can increase brain serotonin concentrations, thereby influencing serotonergic transmission. We previously examined interaction between dietary substrate (TRP: 0.15 and 0.6%) and the cofactor precursor (pyridoxine HCl: 3 and 3,000 mg/kg) on brain serotonin metabolism, observing significant increases in serotonin concentrations from such dietary interaction. The present experiments were designed to explore possible behavioral consequences of the substrate-cofactor interaction. After the IP injection of fenfluramine (FA: at 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg), serotonin-mediated behavior traits and the appearance of flushing were observed in rats fed experimental diets as stated above. With a 5 mg/kg dose of FA, a differential dietary effect was most visible. However, at higher FA levels (15 and 20 mg/kg), such dietary effects were no longer discernible. The appearance of flushing was also dependent on dietary TRP intake and the dosage of FA. These results indicate a clear substrate-cofactor interaction on certain serotonin-mediated behavior traits in the rat.
authors: Department of Nutrition, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick 08903.
authors: N S
authors: NS
authors: Lee
authors: G C
authors: GC
authors: Wagner
authors: J R
authors: JR
authors: Trout
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D005277:Fenfluramine; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan; D011736:Pyridoxine