[The tryptophan depletion challenge: a review of methodology and results].
BACKGROUND
This paper focuses on the methodology and behavioural results of the tryptophan depletion challenge.


METHODS
A Medline search (1985-2002) using the keywords 'tryptophan depletion' and 'mood' has been performed.


RESULTS
Rapid depletion is obtained by morning intake under fasting condition of a tryptophan-free amino-acid mixture. Subjects with a family history of mood disorders and depressed patients receiving serotoninergic drugs demonstrate a mood-lowering effect. However, these effects are limited or absent in normal volunteers and naive depressed patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The tryptophan depletion challenge has largely contributed to the understanding of the physiopathology of depression. However, the mood response to acute tryptophan depletion challenge in healthy volunteers is not as sensitive as a 'depression model'.
Roussel
Virginie
V
CPCET et Pharmacologie Clinique, FRE 2109 CNRS Université de la Méditerranée, Institut de Neurosciences Physiologiques et Cognitives, Marseille, France.
Tardieu
Sophie
S
Micallef
Joëlle
J
Blin
Olivier
O
D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology*; D000596:Amino Acids; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*
D000596:Amino Acids; D014364:Tryptophan