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Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is an enzyme (EC 1.14.16.4) involved in the synthesis of the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin. Tyrosine hydroxylase , phenylalanine hydroxylase , and tryptophan hydroxylase together constitute the family of biopterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylases .
Tryptophan ball and stick model spinning. Tryptophan (symbol Trp or W) [3] is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.Tryptophan contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain indole, making it a polar molecule with a non-polar aromatic beta carbon substituent.
[1] [2] [3] It is the α-methylated derivative of tryptophan, while αMS is the α-methylated analogue of serotonin. [1] [3] αMTP has been suggested for potential therapeutic use in the treatment of conditions thought by some authors to be related to serotonin deficiency, such as depression. [1]
Serotonin and tryptophan have been found in chocolate with varying cocoa contents. The highest serotonin content (2.93 μg/g) was found in chocolate with 85% cocoa, and the highest tryptophan content (13.27–13.34 μg/g) was found in 70–85% cocoa. The intermediate in the synthesis from tryptophan to serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan, was not found.
Similarly, tryptophan hydroxylase catalyzes the rate-limiting step in serotonin biosynthesis: the conversion of L-tryptophan to 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. Biosynthetic pathways for catecholamines and trace amines in the human brain [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ]
Administration of L-tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin, is seen to double the production of serotonin in the brain. It is significantly more effective than a placebo in the treatment of mild and moderate depression. [78] [unreliable medical source?] This conversion requires vitamin C.
Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH; EC 1.14.16.4) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5HT). 5HT is causally involved in numerous central nervous activities, and it has several functions in peripheral tissues, including the maintenance of vascular tone and gut motility.[supplied by OMIM] [7]
[13] [12] Uptake of tryptophan by the brain thus increases. In the brain, tryptophan is converted to serotonin, [14] which is then converted to melatonin. Increased brain serotonin and melatonin levels result in sleepiness. [15] [16]