Hypothalamic digoxin, hemispheric chemical dominance, and addictive behavior.
The isoprenoid pathway produces an endogenous membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibitor, digoxin. Digoxin can regulate neurotransmitter transport in the brain with upregulation of tryptophan transport over tyrosine. The pathway was assessed in individuals with addiction, as well as in those with differing hemispheric dominance. The isoprenoid pathway was upregulated with increased digoxin synthesis in addiction. There was an increase in tryptophan catabolites--quinolinic acid, serotonin, nicotine, and strychnine--in patients with addiction, and a reduction in tyrosine catabolites--dopamine, noradrenatine, and morphine. The pattern seen in addiction individuals was similar to that in right hemispheric chemical dominance. Addiction represents a state of right hemispheric chemical dominance, hyperdigoxinemia, and endogenous morphine deficiency state.
Department of Neurology, Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
Ravi Kumar
RK
Kurup
Parameswara Achutha
PA
Kurup
D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000378:metabolism*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004077:Digoxin / Q000378:metabolism*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000378:metabolism; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000378:metabolism
D012701:Serotonin; D014443:Tyrosine; D004077:Digoxin; D014364:Tryptophan; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; D004298:Dopamine