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[Plasma amino acid disturbances and depression]
P Mathis1, L Schmitt, M Benatia
1Service de Psychiatrie adulte et de Psychologie Médicale, Hôpital Purpan-Casselardit, Toulouse.
L'Encephale
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Depression is linked to altered levels of certain amino acids, including those that compete with tryptophan for brain transport. These findings suggest potential blood-brain barrier carrier abnormalities in depressive states.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Depression is a complex mood disorder with multifactorial etiologies.
- Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, are implicated in depression.
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the passage of substances, including amino acids, into the brain.
Purpose:
- To investigate plasmatic amino acid concentrations in patients with depression.
- To compare amino acid profiles between depressed individuals and a control group.
- To explore potential correlations between amino acid levels and depressive states, particularly concerning tryptophan transport.
Summary:
- Plasmatic amino acid levels were analyzed in 59 depressive patients and compared to controls.
- Elevated levels of serine, glutamine, cystine, lysine, and arginine were observed in depressed individuals.
- Increased concentrations of valine, leucine, and isoleucine, which compete with tryptophan for BBB transport, were found in depressed patients.
- A decreased tryptophan ratio and increased total levels of tryptophan competitors were noted in depressed males and females.
- These alterations suggest a potential abnormality in BBB carrier function in depression.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the biochemical underpinnings of depression.
- Highlights the role of amino acid transport across the BBB in mood disorders.
- May inform future research into diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for depression.