Acute tryptophan depletion alters the effective connectivity of emotional arousal circuitry during visceral stimuli in healthy women.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Alterations in serotonin signalling within the brain-gut axis have been implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is a treatment target. Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) decreases brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) levels, and increases visceral perception and negative emotional bias in patients with IBS. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ATD on brain activity and connectivity during visceral stimuli in healthy women, and to compare the ATD-induced brain connectivity of an arousal circuit in female patients with IBS without ATD.

Methods

12 healthy females (19-25 years) were studied under placebo (PLA) conditions and ATD. Functional MRI measurements were performed during a rectal barostat protocol, con

SUBMITTER: Labus JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3871999 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature