Acute effect of altered tryptophan levels and alcohol on aggression in normal human males.

Normal males received amino acid mixtures designed to raise or lower tryptophan availability, and thus to raise or lower brain serotonin synthesis. They also received alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. The subjects were tested in the Taylor Competitive Reaction Time Task in which they competed against a (non-existent) partner in a reaction time task.

A swinging heart in limited systemic sclerosis.

We describe a 3rd patient with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (ISSc) complicated by a pericardial effusion sufficient to cause hemodynamic compromise. Although more commonly appreciated as a complication of diffuse systemic sclerosis, the recognition of hemodynamically compromising pericardial effusion presenting in the limited form of ISSc can be lifesaving.

Influence of tryptophan availability on selection of alcohol and water by men.

To study the effects of tryptophan on alcohol selection the tryptophan levels in subjects were altered through the administration of amino acid mixtures. Male social drinkers (N = 45) with no psychiatric or medical problems were divided into three groups and consumed a drink that contained, respectively, a nutritionally balanced amino acid mixture, a tryptophan-supplemented mixture, or a tryptophan-free mixture. After a waiting period of 5 hours, blood samples were taken and subjects participated in an ad-lib taste rating of six--one nonalcoholic and five alcoholic--beverages.