Hypothalamic digoxin, regulation of neuronal transmission, and cerebral dominance

The present study assessed the neurochemical differences between right hemispheric dominant and left hemispheric dominant individuals. The HMG CoA reductase activity, serum digoxin, magnesium, tryptophan catabolites, tyrosine catabolites, and RBC membrane (Na+)-K+ ATPase activity were measured in individuals of differing hemispheric dominance. The results showed that right hemispheric dominant individuals had elevated digoxin synthesis, increased tryptophan catabolites, and reduced tyrosine catabolites and membrane (Na+)-K+ ATPase with hypomagnesemia. Left hemispheric dominant individuals had the opposite patterns. Right hemispheric dominance represents a hyperdigoxinemic state with membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibition. Left hemispheric dominance represents the reverse pattern with hypodigoxinemia and membrane sodium-potassium ATPase stimulation.