TRH increases cerebrospinal fluid concentration of kynurenine.

Abstract

We have analyzed changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of monoamine-related substances to clarify the mechanism of the antiepileptic action of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH-tartrate was administered to 14 patients with intractable epilepsy. Before and 2 weeks after TRH administration, CSF was collected and analyzed for tryptophan and tyrosine metabolites. Among monoamine-related substances, only CSF concentrations of kynurenine were increased after TRH therapy. Considering the fact that kynurenic acid acts as antagonist on the NMDA receptor complex, the results of this study may explain at least one of the mechanisms of the effectiveness of TRH therapy for intractable epilepsy.

• Authors: Y Takeuchi, H Matsushita, H Kawano, H Sakai, K Yoshimoto, T Sawada
• Journal: Neuroreport (Neuroreport) Vol. 10 Issue 17 Pg. 3601-3 (Nov 26 1999) ISSN: 0959-4965 [Print] England
• PMID: 10619651 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
• Kynurenine
• Tyrosine
• Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
• Tryptophan

Topics

• Adolescent
• Anticonvulsants (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Electrodes
• Epilepsy (cerebrospinal fluid, drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Kynurenine (cerebrospinal fluid)
• Male
• Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Spasms, Infantile (cerebrospinal fluid, drug therapy)
• Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Tryptophan (cerebrospinal fluid, metabolism)
• Tyrosine (cerebrospinal fluid, metabolism)
• Up-Regulation