EFFECTS OF IMMOBILIZATION AND FOOD DEPRIVATION ON RAT BRAIN TRYPTOPHAN METABOLISM |
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| Authors: | G Curzon M H Joseph P J Knott |
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| Institution: | Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Neurology, London, W.C.1, England |
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| Abstract: | Abstract— Withdrawal of food or immobilization both led to changes in rat brain tryptophan metabolism. Brain tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid concentrations both increased while changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine were much smaller. Changes were greater upon withdrawal of food. The brain tryptophan change did not appear merely to reflect an overall increase of brain amino acid concentrations, brain tyrosine concentration being only slightly increased by food withdrawal and significantly decreased upon immobilization. Plasma tryptophan did not increase. The changes in brain indole metabolism were not abolished by adrenalectomy. Results are discussed in relation to the regulation of brain serotonin metabolism. |
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