The biochemical, behavioral, and neurologic effects of high L‐tryptophan intake in the Rhesus monkey

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Rhesus monkeys maintained on a high dietary tryptophan supplement exhibited amino aciduria and excreted elevated amounts of tryptophan metabolites. Changes in complex behavior were not detected and no abnormalities were apparent upon neurologic examination. When the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, iproniazid, was also given, 2 out of 5 of the animals exhibited abnormalities on neurologic examination. Results are discussed in relation to possible biochemical factors in cerebellar ataxia and to the reported behavioral effects on human subjects of tryptophan and iproniazid supplementation.