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Moderate dieting causes 5-HT2C receptor supersensitivity
P J Cowen1, E M Clifford, A E Walsh
1University Department of Psychiatry, Littlemore Hospital, Oxford.
Psychological Medicine
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Moderate dieting in women may increase the risk of eating disorders by altering serotonin (5-HT) receptor sensitivity. This study found dieting impacts 5-HT2C receptor function and tryptophan levels, potentially affecting appetite regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Dieting is common and can predispose individuals to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
- Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission is implicated in appetite regulation and mood disorders.
- 5-HT2C receptors play a role in modulating neurotransmitter activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of moderate dieting on the sensitivity of post-synaptic 5-HT2C receptors in healthy women.
- To assess the relationship between dieting, prolactin response to mCPP, and tryptophan levels.
Main Methods:
- Healthy women underwent a moderate dieting regimen.
- The prolactin response to m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), a 5-HT2C receptor agonist, was measured.
- Plasma tryptophan concentrations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Dieting significantly enhanced the prolactin response to mCPP.
- Plasma tryptophan levels were reduced in dieting women.
- These findings suggest increased 5-HT2C receptor sensitivity due to dieting.
Conclusions:
- Moderate dieting in women may lead to functional supersensitivity of 5-HT2C receptors.
- This alteration is potentially linked to reduced brain serotonin levels.
- Dieting-induced changes in 5-HT neurotransmission could contribute to eating dysregulation and eating disorders.