Tyrosine, Tryptophan and Performance
Abstract
Studies conducted during 1992 showed that (a) new inhibitors of the enzyme COMT (catechol-0-methyl transferase) could modify the metabolism of dopamine in the corpus striatum, both basally and after dopamine administration; (b) the decrease in serotonin release from brain neurons (as assessed by in vivo microdialysis) caused by giving animals repeated doses of serotonin-uptake blockers (like fluoxetine or dexfenfluramine) can be largely blocked by also treating them with a drug (methiothepin) which blocks serotonin receptors. This indicates that the change in serotonin reflects a regulated physiological process, and not neurotoxicity; (c) systemically-administrated nicotine increases the release of serotonin from brain neurons; and, (d) in human subjects, lower doses of oral melatonin than had been thought effective (10 mg) can produce significant behavioral effects (sleepiness).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA266278
Entities
People
- Richard J. Wirtman
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology