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Behavioral alteration of plasma phenylalanine concentration
Physiology & Behavior
|November 1, 1977
Summary
Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice increased phenylalanine levels in plasma. This change was specific to TM, not observed during relaxation, and not linked to sleep, suggesting a direct effect of meditation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Plasma amino acid concentrations can be influenced by physiological and psychological states.
- Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a widely practiced meditation technique with reported psychophysiological effects.
- Understanding biochemical changes during TM may elucidate its mechanisms of action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on plasma amino acid concentrations.
- To differentiate TM-specific effects from general relaxation effects on amino acids.
- To explore potential correlations between amino acid changes, TM practice, and sleep parameters.
Main Methods:
- Measured concentrations of 13 neutral and acidic plasma amino acids.
- Subjects underwent 40 minutes of either Transcendental Meditation (TM) or control relaxation.
- Simultaneous monitoring using electro-oculogram, electroencephalogram, and electromyogram.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in phenylalanine concentration was observed during TM practice.
- No significant change in phenylalanine was noted during control relaxation.
- No differences in total sleep time or sleep stage percentages were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in phenylalanine is specifically associated with Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice.
- This phenylalanine elevation is independent of sleep and general relaxation.
- Findings suggest a direct biochemical link between TM and phenylalanine metabolism.