Cited by 519Tryptophan and brain disordersAmino Acid Enzymes and MetabolismNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Tryptophan metabolism in the central nervous system: medical implications

Ruddick, Jon P., Evans, Andrew K., Nutt, David J., Lightman, Stafford L., Rook, Graham A.W., Lowry, Christopher A.·2006·Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine

Abstract

The metabolism of the amino acid L-tryptophan is a highly regulated physiological process leading to the generation of several neuroactive compounds within the central nervous system. These include the aminergic neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), products of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism (including 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid), the neurohormone melatonin, several neuroactive kynuramine metabolites of melatonin, and the trace amine tryptamine. The integral role of central serotonergic systems in the modulation of physiology and behaviour has been well documented since the first description of serotonergic neurons in the brain some 40 years ago. However, while the significance of the peripheral kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism has also been recognised for several decades, it has only recently been appreciated that the synthesis of kynurenines within the central nervous system has important consequences for physiology and behaviour. Altered kynurenine metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of conditions such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related dementia, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In this review we discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the metabolism of tryptophan and consider the medical implications associated with dysregulation of both serotonergic and kynurenine pathways of tryptophan metabolism.

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Crossref · 10.1017/s1462399406000068

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Authors
Ruddick, J. P., Evans, A. K., Nutt, D. J., Lightman, S. L., Rook, G. A. W., & Lowry, C. A.
Affiliations
  • University of Bristol (GB)
  • The Royal Free Hospital (GB)
Venue
Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
Published
2006-08
Volume
8
Issue
20
Pages
1-27
ISSN
1462-3994 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2139904925
Cited by
519
References
198
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 38 · 2024: 34 · 2023: 42 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 49 · 2020: 34 · 2019: 29 · 2018: 30 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 22 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 18 · 2012: 24
FWCI
6.99
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
  • Bristol Research (University of Bristol) (submittedVersion)
  • Explore Bristol Research (submittedVersion)
Funders
Wellcome Trust (RCDF 068558/Z/02/Z)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biochemistry › Amino Acid Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Keywords
tryptophan metabolism, kynurenine pathway, serotonin, melatonin, tryptamine, quinolinic acid, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, serotonergic system, central nervous system, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, neuroactive metabolites
MeSH terms
Animals, Biological Transport, Blood-Brain Barrier, Central Nervous System, Humans, Kynurenine, Tryptamines, Tryptophan

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