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Effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on plasma tryptophan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

L. J. Whalley ,
C. M. Yates  and
J. E. Christie
L. J. Whalley*
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Thomas Clouston Clinic, Edinburgh
C. M. Yates
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Thomas Clouston Clinic, Edinburgh
J. E. Christie
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Thomas Clouston Clinic, Edinburgh
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr L. J. Whalley, MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Thomas Clouston Clinic, 153 Morningside Drive, Edinburgh EH10 5LG.
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Synopsis

The concentrations of total and free plasma tryptophan were measured in 12 unipolar depressed patients before and after a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and before and after single ECTs during the course of treatment. Eleven patients undergoing diagnostic cystoscopy served as controls to examine the acute effect of anaesthesia. Total and free plasma tryptophan concentrations in the depressed patients were not significantly different from control values and were not changed by the course of ECT. Free plasma tryptophan varied considerably within individual patients. Total plasma tryptophan was reduced acutely by ECT/anaesthesia in the depressed patients (P < 0·05) and by anaesthesia in the cystoscopy controls (P < 0·01). Free plasma tryptophan was not significantly altered. This reduction in total plasma tryptophan could be secondary to an effect of thiopentone on albumin binding of tryptophan.

Type
Brief Communication
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 10 , Issue 2 , May 1980 , pp. 377 - 380
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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