Abstract
Background: Serotonin has been implicated in the regulation of sleep and mood. In
animals a tryptophan-free amino acid drink (TFD) challenge has been found to reduce
brain serotonin. We hypothesized this TFD would produce alterations in electroencephalographic
(EEG) sleep commonly associated with depression, i.e., an enhancement of rapid eye
movement (REM) sleep, and adversely affect mood ratings in humans.
Methods: We investigated the effects of a TFD challenge in 11 healthy male subjects
on EEG sleep and mood (assessed by Profile of Mood States). All subjects received
on separate occasions an experimental drink containing approximately 100 g of an amino
acid mixture (100% TFD) and a control drink containing one fourth strength (25% TFD)
of the experimental drink 5 hours prior to sleep (6:00 pm).
Results: Both drinks significantly decreased plasma tryptophan levels 5 hours postchallenge
(11:00 pm). Both drinks significantly decreased REM latency, and the 25% TFD also increased
REM time and REM% compared to baseline. No significant changes were found in subjective
ratings of depression; however, subjects reported confusion and tension and a decrease
in elation, vigor, and friendliness compared with baseline.
Conclusions: These TFD findings further support the involvement of serotonin deficiency
in EEG sleep findings commonly seen in depression.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 24,
1997
Received in revised form:
January 30,
1997
Received:
October 24,
1996
Identification
Copyright
© 1998 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
