Journal
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Volume 24, Issue 6, Pages 809-815Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
DOI: 10.1177/0269881108098965
Keywords
drug effects on plasma free tryptophan; free tryptophan; food intake; tryptophan binding; tryptophan disposition; tryptophan pyrrolase
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Plasma free tryptophan (Trp) is an important peripheral parameter widely used by psychopharmacologists to assess Trp entry into the brain for cerebral serotonin synthesis, although, along with total Trp, it can give much more information on Trp metabolism and disposition. Plasma free Trp is, however, a labile parameter easily influenced by a great many modulators, including fasting, food intake, many prescribed and over the counter medications, consumption of alcoholic and of common hot beverages, illicit drug use, some hormones, exercise and mild stressors. Interpretation of changes in plasma free Trp requires appropriate preparation of ultrafiltrates from freshly isolated plasma or serum, accurate analytical methodology and awareness of the multitude of physiological and pharmacological modulators of its concentration. This article highlights these points and makes recommendations aimed at avoiding pitfalls in studies involving this parameter.
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