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Brain 5-HT function in bipolar affective disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

A.H. Young ,
J.H. Hughes  and
C.H. Ashton
A.H. Young*
Affiliation:
School of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
J.H. Hughes
Affiliation:
School of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
C.H. Ashton
Affiliation:
School of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
*
Stanley Foundation Research Center School of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Leazes Wing, The Royal Victoria Infirmary Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, United KingdomTel 44-0191-232-5131 extn 24258, Fax 44-0191-227-5108, E-mail A.H.Young@ncl.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background: Previous studies suggest that brain serotonin neurotransmission may mediate the actions of lithium carbonate. Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) reduces brain serotonin and allows the study of this neurotransmitter in patient groups. Serotonin modulates electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, which is abnormal in bipolar disorder, and EEG abnormalities persist in euthymic bipolar patients. The EEG may therefore be a sensitive marker of 5-HT function in bipolar disorder.

Aims: This study examined the effects of ATD on mood, suicidal ideation and EEG activity in bipolar patients who were symptomatically stable on lithium.

Methods: 19 subjects satisfying DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I disorder participated in a within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled random-order crossover study. Following acute tryptophan depletion (induced by a 100g amino acid drink following an overnight fast) symptoms were evaluated, quantitative power spectrum brain mapping and measurement of auditory evoked potentials were carried out.

Results: ATD produced a significant fall in the amplitude of N1P2 and P300 components of the auditory evoked potential, but no significant changes in the power spectrum. There was an 83% reduction in plasma tryptophan (p<0.05, paired t-test) after the depleting but not the control drink. No significant changes in mood or suicidally scores were recorded after ATD.

Conclusions: ATD attenuates auditory evoked potentials in bipolar disorder but does not reverse lithium's effects on mood and suicidally in bipolar disorder.

Keywords

bipolar disordersbrain 5-HTacute tryptophan depletionmoodsuicidallyPsub300/sub
Type
Articles
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 12 , Issue 3 , September 2000 , pp. 91 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2000

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