Is rat brain content of large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) a reflection of plasma LNAA concentrations?

Abstract

Competition between the large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), including the monoamine precursors tyrosine and tryptophan, for the carrier-mediated transport from plasma into the brain is considered the major regulator of brain LNAA content. The plasma ratio of each LNAA to the sum of all LNAAs, previously, in standardized experiments, has proved an excellent predictor of brain LNAA content. To investigate how diurnal variations in plasma LNAAs are reflected in the brain, we have killed rats, in groups of six, every 1 h throughout one 24 h period. The concentration of each LNAA in both plasma and brain varied with time-of-day. Also the total concentration of LNAAs in brain was shown to vary diurnally. Obviously, variations in total brain LNAA concentration cannot be explained by changes in plasma LNAA ratios. Consequently, other factors, contributing to the regulation of the diurnal rhythm in brain LNAA content, must be considered.