Journal Article

FZJ-2015-04227

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Influence of acute tryptophan depletion on verbal declarative episodic memory in young adult females

Helmbold, K. (Corresponding Author) ; Bubenzer, S. ; Dahmen, B.FZJ* ; Eisert, A. ; Gaber, T. J. ; Habel, U. ; Konrad, K.FZJ* ; Herpertz-Dahlmann, B. ; Zepf, F. D. (Corresponding Author)FZJ*

2013
Springer Wien [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s00726-013-1582-1

Abstract: Diminished synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) in the brain has been linked to disturbed memory processes. The present study investigated the effects of diminished central nervous 5-HT synthesis as achieved by an acute dietary tryptophan depletion (ATD) on verbal declarative episodic memory in young women while controlling for the effects of female sex hormones. Eighteen healthy females (aged 20–31 years) participated in a within-subject repeated measures study, with two separate days of assessment spaced at least one individual menstrual cycle apart. On one day, participants were subjected to ATD, thus lowering central nervous 5-HT synthesis. The other day participants received a tryptophan-balanced amino acid load (BAL = control condition). The study was randomized, counterbalanced and double blind in terms of ATD/BAL administration. Measurements took place in the early follicular phase of the participants’ menstrual cycle. Estrogen, FSH and LH levels were assessed at baseline. Verbal declarative episodic memory was assessed using a structured word-learning task. Short-term memory, as indexed by immediate recall, was reduced after ATD intake, whereas delayed recall and recognition after a 25-min delay did not show any differences after intake of ATD or BAL. In young women, verbal short-term memory function was more vulnerable to ATD than consolidation processes. In light of the possible interplay between female sex hormones and 5-HT, further studies comparing different menstrual cycle phases are needed.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (INM-3)
2. JARA-BRAIN (JARA-BRAIN)

Research Program(s):

1. 333 - Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases (POF2-333) (POF2-333)

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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