Tryptophan metabolism in alcoholism, tryptophan but not excitatory amino acid availability to the brain is increased before the appearance of the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome in men

Citation
Aab. Badawy et al., Tryptophan metabolism in alcoholism, tryptophan but not excitatory amino acid availability to the brain is increased before the appearance of the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome in men, ALC ALCOHOL, 33(6), 1998, pp. 616-625
Citations number
41
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Clinical Psycology & Psychiatry","Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOLISM
ISSN journal
0735-0414 → ACNP
Volume
33
Issue
6
Year of publication
1998
Pages
616 - 625
Database
ISI
SICI code
0735-0414(199811/12)33:6<616:TMIATB>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and disposition and excitatory and other amino acid concentrations were determined in alcohol-dependent subjects in relati on to the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Parameters were examined in 12 alcohol-dependent male subjects, undergoing elective upper digestive tract tumour resection, and 12 age-. gender- and medication-matched controls on three occasions: pre-operatively, post-operatively, and immediately before (i.e. within 24 h of) the appearance of the AWS. No significant differences were observed between controls and alcoholic subjects on the first or seco nd of;these occasions. On the third occasion, within 24 h of the appearance of the AWS, alcoholics showed a dramatic elevation (117%) in free serum Tr p concentration and a consequent increase (111%) in the ratio of [free Trp] /[competing amino acids], which is an accurate predictor of Trp entry into the brain. Increases were also observed on this third occasion in concentra tions of total Trp (49%), cortisol (123%), and norharman (137%). Concentrat ions of glutamate, glycine, aspartate, serine, and taurine did not differ s ignificantly within or between the control and alcohol-dependent groups of subjects on any of the three occasions. The possible significance of the Tr p and related metabolic changes in relation to the behavioural features of the AWS is discussed.