Journal
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS AND OTHER MOTOR NEURON DISORDERS
Volume 4, Issue 3, Pages 171-176Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS
DOI: 10.1080/14660820310009389
Keywords
Down syndrome; motor neuron disease; serotonin; SOD1 G93A transgenic mouse; superoxide dismutase 1
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INTRODUCTION: Reduction in the levels of whole-blood serotonin is a common feature of Down syndrome (DS) individuals and transgenic mice overexpressing wild-type SOD1. Administration of the metabolic precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) leads to reversal of both serotonin deficits and hypotonia in humans. The effect of 5-HTP treatment on the progression of motor neuron disease in mutant SOD1 mice was examined. METHODS: Pre-disease transgenic SOD1 G93A mice and wild-type littermates were systemically administered 5-HTP thrice weekly (0, 5 or 50 mg/kg). Animal weights, locomotor function and survival were recorded weekly. Plasma serotonin levels were measured post-mortem. RESULTS: Treatment with 5-HTP significantly delayed hindlimb weakness and mortality in SOD1 G93A mice in a dose-dependent manner. Wild-type mice were not adversely affected by 5-HTP administration. Baseline serotonin levels did not differ between wildtype and ALS mice. Blood platelet serotonin levels increased proportionally with dose. CONCLUSIONS: Increased blood serotonin by administration of 5-HTP in SOD1 G93A mice led to improved locomotor function and survival. A role for serotonin metabolism in mice with elevated SOD1 expression and motor neuron disease is suggested by these studies.
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