Journal
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Volume 159, Issue 4, Pages 432-436Publisher
SPRINGER-VERLAG
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-001-0960-7
Keywords
chromium; depression; 5-HT; tryptophan; 5-HT2A/2C receptor; cortisol
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Rationale: Recent case series suggest that chromium picolinate in doses of 400 mug daily may have antidepressant properties, perhaps through increasing the peripheral availability of tryptophan for brain serotonin (5-HT) synthesis. Objectives: To determine the effects of chromium treatment on plasma tryptophan availability and on brain 5-HT function in human and animal models. Methods: We studied the effects of short-term chromium supplementation on plasma concentrations of tryptophan and other large neutral amino acids. Brain 5-HT function was assessed by measuring the corticosterone/cortisol response to the 5-HT precursor, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP), a response believed to be mediated via indirect activation of 5-HT2A receptors. Results: In rats. chromium increased peripheral and central tryptophan availability and elevated brain 5-HT content. Changes in peripheral tryptophan availability were not seen in humans but in both rats and humans. chromium lowered the cortisol response to challenge with 5-HTP. Conclusions: Chromium can modify brain 5-HT function in humans and animals. perhaps by altering the sensitivity of central 5-HT2A receptors.
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