title: L-tryptophan and correlates of self-injurious behavior in small-eared bushbabies (Otolemur garnettii).
abstract: Self-injurious behavior (SIB) among captive primates is a recurring problem for those who manage such facilities. Its prevalence highlights the need for research evaluating the effectiveness of potential treatment approaches. In the present study, 4 wk of dietary supplementation with L-tryptophan (100 mg daily) was evaluated for the treatment of self-inflicted wounds in 22 small-eared bushbabies, a prosimian primate, with a history of SIB. The treatment significantly reduced stereotypy and was associated with a reduction in wound area and severity. In terms of physiologic measures, preexisting high levels of cortisol were reduced in bushbabies with SIB, whereas serotonin concentrations were increased after 4 wk of treatment. Results indicate that L-tryptophan as a dietary supplement may be a viable adjunct to standard husbandry procedures for animals exhibiting maladaptive behaviors such as stereotypy and SIB.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern Mississippi, Department of Psychology, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA. sheree.watson@usm.edu
authors.forename: Sheree L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: McCoy
authors.forename: M Babette
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Fontenot
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Hanbury
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005701:Galago; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan; D006854:Hydrocortisone