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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]
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.
5-HTP is produced from the amino acid tryptophan through the action of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. Tryptophan hydroxylase is one of the biopterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylases. Production of 5-HTP is the rate-limiting step in 5-HT (serotonin) synthesis. 5-HTP is normally rapidly converted to 5-HT by amino acid decarboxylase. [1]
First, serotonin system dysfunction cannot be the sole cause of depression, because not all patients treated with antidepressants show improvement, despite the fact that most patients still show a rapid increase in synaptic serotonin. Second, if significant mood improvements do occur, this is often not for at least two to four weeks.
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.
Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) is a technique used extensively to study the effect of low serotonin in the brain. [1] This experimental approach reduces the availability of tryptophan , an amino acid which serves as the precursor to serotonin.
Serotonergic cell groups refer to collections of neurons in the central nervous system that have been demonstrated by histochemical fluorescence to contain the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). [1]
Carbidopa/oxitriptan (EVX-101), which increases brain serotonin levels, is under development as an antidepressant for possible use in the treatment of depression. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] Droxidopa ( L -DOPS) is a synthetic precursor or prodrug of norepinephrine used orally in the treatment of certain types of hypotension and other conditions.