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Multicompartmental analysis of amino acids: 1. Preliminary data on concentrations, fluxes, and flow constants of tryptophan in affective illness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

David M. Shaw
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, West Park Hospital, Epsom
Anthony L. Johnson
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, West Park Hospital, Epsom
Simon F. Tidmarsh
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, West Park Hospital, Epsom
David A. Macsweeney
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, West Park Hospital, Epsom
H. Robyn Hewland
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, West Park Hospital, Epsom
Norman E. Woolcock
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, West Park Hospital, Epsom

Synopsis

The study of tryptophan metabolism using compartmental analysis suggested differences between males and females, and between control subjects and patients with affective illness, patients treated with tricyclic drugs, and those established on lithium therapy. The total mass of tryptophan in the body may be reduced in people prone to affective disorder, and in depressed patients (ill and well) turnover of tryptophan seemed to be reduced. The reduction of concentration of tryptophan in compartment S2 in affective illness could affect protein synthesis.

Type
Preliminary Communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975

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