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Published on: September 21, 2021
Tryptophan is a marker of human postmortem brain tissue quality
Edna Grünblatt1, Camelia Maria Monoranu, Manuela Apfelbacher
1Clinical Neurochemistry, National Parkinson Foundation Centre of Excellence Research Laboratory, Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Füchsleinstr. 15, Würzburg D-97080, Germany. Gruenblatt_E@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Tryptophan (TRP) concentration can indicate human postmortem brain tissue quality. Elevated TRP levels correlate with longer postmortem intervals, suggesting protein degradation and potential tissue quality issues for neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Postmortem human brain tissue is crucial for neuroscience research.
- Heterogeneity in sample quality from different brain banks poses a challenge.
- Need for reliable markers to assess postmortem brain tissue quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify reliable neurochemical markers for assessing postmortem human brain tissue quality.
- To evaluate tryptophan (TRP) concentrations and enzyme activities.
- To correlate these parameters with various factors affecting tissue integrity.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 119 postmortem human brain tissue samples from 10 brain bank centers.
- Measured tryptophan (TRP) concentrations, phosphofructokinase-1, and glutamate decarboxylase activities.
- Correlated neurochemical data with agonal state, postmortem interval, age, gender, brain region, preservation methods, storage conditions, and tissue pH.
Main Results:
- Tryptophan (TRP) concentrations were significantly elevated with increased postmortem interval (p = 0.045).
- Elevated TRP may indicate increased protein degradation.
- Other neurochemical parameters were assessed for correlations, but TRP showed a significant link to postmortem interval.
Conclusions:
- Tryptophan (TRP) concentration is a potential, convenient marker for estimating human postmortem brain tissue quality.
- This marker can help standardize tissue quality across different brain banks.
- Ensuring tissue quality is vital for the accuracy and reproducibility of neuroscience research.
