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The Chronic Ingestion of Diets Containing Different Proteins Produces Marked Variations in Brain Tryptophan Levels and Serotonin Synthesis in the Rat

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Abstract

Serotonin (5HT) synthesis in brain is influenced by precursor (tryptophan (TRP)) concentrations, which are modified by food ingestion. Hence, in rats, a carbohydrate meal raises brain TRP and 5HT; a protein-containing meal does not, but little attention has focused on differences among dietary proteins. Recently, single meals containing different proteins have been shown to produce marked changes in TRP and 5HT. The present studies evaluate if such differences persist when rats ingest such diets chronically. Male rats were studied that ingested diets for 9 days containing zein, wheat gluten, soy protein, casein, or α-lactalbumin (17% dry weight). Brain TRP varied up to eightfold, and 5HT synthesis fivefold among the different protein groups. TYR and LEU concentrations, and catecholamine synthesis rate in brain varied much less. The effects of dietary protein on brain TRP and 5HT previously noted after single meals thus continue undiminished when such diets are consumed chronically.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by a grant from the Ajinomoto Amino Acid Research Program competitive grants program (Ajinomoto Company, Tokyo Japan).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, USA

    SuJean Choi

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Briana DiSilvio, Madelyn H. Fernstrom & John D. Fernstrom

  3. Department of Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    John D. Fernstrom

  4. UPMC/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Room 1609, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-2593, USA

    John D. Fernstrom

Authors
  1. SuJean Choi
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  2. Briana DiSilvio
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  3. Madelyn H. Fernstrom
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  4. John D. Fernstrom
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Correspondence to John D. Fernstrom.

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Choi, S., DiSilvio, B., Fernstrom, M.H. et al. The Chronic Ingestion of Diets Containing Different Proteins Produces Marked Variations in Brain Tryptophan Levels and Serotonin Synthesis in the Rat. Neurochem Res 36, 559–565 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-010-0382-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-010-0382-1

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