Tryptophan (TRP), the precursor of the scavenger or immunomodulator molecules melatonin (MLT) and picolinic acid, can be found in the diet; and could be an alternative nutritional supplement used to regulate the immune response in the generation of free radicals. In an experimental model, the systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to promote the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and antioxidant enzymes, was performed on adult female, pregnant and lactating rats fed with a diet of TRP content (0.5mg/100g protein).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo evaluate the effects of protein and tryptophan restriction on cholinergic neurotransmission in terms of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity and its expression as well as muscarinic receptors number at cerebral cortex and hippocampus, Wistar rats were raised on a chronically protein and tryptophan restricted diets with 8% protein based on either Purina chow or corn. There was a significant decrease in both body and cerebral weight in the restricted animals compared with the control group fed with 23% protein diet. In cerebral cortex CAT activity and its expression were significantly increased in corn fed (C) versus protein restricted (HP) and control (T) animals, without no significant changes in muscarinic receptors number.
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