Plasma choline concentration varies with different dietary levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid in rats maintained on choline-adequate diets.

Choline is an important component of the human diet and is required for the endogenous synthesis of choline-containing phospholipids, acetylcholine and betaine. Choline can also be synthesised de novo by the sequential methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine. Vitamins B6, B12 and folate can enhance methylation capacity and therefore could influence choline availability not only by increasing endogenous choline synthesis but also by reducing choline utilisation. In the present experiment, we determined whether combined supplementation of these B vitamins affects plasma choline concentration in a rat model of mild B vitamin deficiency which shows moderate increases in plasma homocysteine. To this end, we measured plasma choline and homocysteine concentrations in rats that had consumed a B vitamin-poor diet for 4 weeks after which they were either continued on the B vitamin-poor diet or switched to a B vitamin-enriched diet for another 4 weeks. Both diets contained recommended amounts of choline. Rats receiving the B vitamin-enriched diet showed higher plasma choline and lower plasma homocysteine concentrations as compared to rats that were continued on the B vitamin-poor diet. These data underline the interdependence between dietary B vitamins and plasma choline concentration, possibly via the combined effects of the three B vitamins on methylation capacity.

Use of phosphatide precursors to promote synaptogenesis.

New brain synapses form when a postsynaptic structure, the dendritic spine, interacts with a presynaptic terminal. Brain synapses and dendritic spines, membrane-rich structures, are depleted in Alzheimer's disease, as are some circulating compounds needed for synthesizing phosphatides, the major constituents of synaptic membranes. Animals given three of these compounds, all nutrients-uridine, the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, and choline-develop increased levels of brain phosphatides and of proteins that are concentrated within synaptic membranes (e.g., PSD-95, synapsin-1), improved cognition, and enhanced neurotransmitter release. The nutrients work by increasing the substrate-saturation of low-affinity enzymes that synthesize the phosphatides. Moreover, uridine and its nucleotide metabolites activate brain P2Y receptors, which control neuronal differentiation and synaptic protein synthesis. A preparation containing these compounds is being tested for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Efficacy of a medical food in mild Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a medical food on cognitive function in people with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: A total of 225 drug-naïve AD patients participated in this randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Patients were randomized to active product, Souvenaid, or a control drink, taken once-daily for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were the delayed verbal recall task of the Wechsler Memory Scale-revised, and the 13-item modified Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale at week 12. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, significant improvement in the delayed verbal recall task was noted in the active group compared with control (P = .021). Modified Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale and other outcome scores (e.g., Clinician Interview Based Impression of Change plus Caregiver Input, 12-item Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Alzheimer's disease Co-operative Study-Activities of Daily Living, Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease) were unchanged. The control group neither deteriorated nor improved. Compliance was excellent (95%) and the product was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a medical food including phosphatide precursors and cofactors for 12 weeks improved memory (delayed verbal recall) in mild AD patients. This proof-of-concept study justifies further clinical trials.

Giving uridine and/or docosahexaenoic acid orally to rat dams during gestation and nursing increases synaptic elements in brains of weanling pups.

Developing neurons synthesize substantial quantities of membrane phospholipids in producing new synapses. We investigated the effects of maternal uridine (as uridine-5'-monophosphate) and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on pups' brain phospholipids, synaptic proteins and dendritic spine densities. Dams consumed neither, 1 or both compounds for 10 days before parturition and 20 days while nursing. By day 21, brains of weanlings receiving both exhibited significant increases in membrane phosphatides, various pre- and postsynaptic proteins (synapsin-1, mGluR1, PSD-95), and in hippocampal dendritic spine densities. Administering these phosphatide precursors to lactating mothers or infants could be useful for treating developmental disorders characterized by deficient synapses.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids stimulate phosphatidylcholine synthesis in PC12 cells.

The synthesis of phospholipids in mammalian cells is regulated by the availability of three critical precursor pools: those of choline, cytidine triphosphate and diacylglycerol. Diacylglycerols containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) apparently are preferentially utilized for phosphatide synthesis. PUFAs are known to play an important role in the development and function of mammalian brains. We therefore studied the effects of unsaturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids on the overall rates of phospholipid biosynthesis in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) all significantly stimulated the incorporation of (14)C-choline into total cellular phospholipids. In contrast, monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) and the saturated palmitic (PA) and stearic (SA) acids did not have this effect. The action of DHA was concentration-dependent between 5 and 50 microM; it became statistically significant by 3 h after DHA treatment and then increased over the ensuing 3 h. DHA was preferentially incorporated into phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS), while AA predominated in phosphatidylcholine (PC).

Oral L-glutamine increases GABA levels in striatal tissue and extracellular fluid.

We explored the possibility that circulating glutamine affects gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in rat striatal tissue and GABA concentrations in striatal extracellular fluid (ECF). Striatal microdialysates, each collected over a 20 min interval, were obtained after no treatment, oral L-glutamine (0.5 g/kg), or glutamine followed by NMDA (administered via the microdialysis probe). GABA concentrations were measured by HPLC using a stable OPA/sulfite precolumn derivatization and an electrochemical detection method. L-Glutamine administration significantly increased ECF GABA concentrations by 30%, and enhanced the response evoked by NMDA alone (70%) to 120% over baseline (all P<0.05). Striatal GABA levels increased significantly 2.5 h after oral L-glutamine (e.g., from 1.76 +/- 0.04 micromol/g in vehicle-treated rats to 2.00 +/- 0.15 micromol/g in those receiving 2.0 g/kg of glutamine). Striatal glutamine levels also increased significantly, but not those of glutamate. These data suggest that GABA synthesis in, and release from, rat striatum may be regulated in part by circulating glutamine. Hence, glutamine administration may provide a useful adjunct for treating disorders (e.g., anxiety, seizures) when enhanced GABAergic transmission is desired. Moreover, the elevation in plasma and brain glutamine associated with hepatic failure may, by increasing brain GABA release, produce some of the manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy.

Restorative effects of uridine plus docosahexaenoic acid in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Administering uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases synaptic membranes (as characterized by pre- and post-synaptic proteins) and dendritic spines in rodents. We examined their effects on rotational behavior and dopaminergic markers in rats with partial unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced striatal lesions. Rats receiving UMP, DHA, both, or neither, daily, and intrastriatal 6-OHDA 3 days after treatment onset, were tested for d-amphetamine-induced rotational behavior and dopaminergic markers after 24 and 28 days, respectively. UMP/DHA treatment reduced ipsilateral rotations by 57% and significantly elevated striatal dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, TH protein and synapsin-1 on the lesioned side. Hence, giving uridine and DHA may partially restore dopaminergic neurotransmission in this model of Parkinson's disease.

Oral administration of circulating precursors for membrane phosphatides can promote the synthesis of new brain synapses.

Although cognitive performance in humans and experimental animals can be improved by administering omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the neurochemical mechanisms underlying this effect remain uncertain. In general, nutrients or drugs that modify brain function or behavior do so by affecting synaptic transmission, usually by changing the quantities of particular neurotransmitters present within synaptic clefts or by acting directly on neurotransmitter receptors or signal-transduction molecules. We find that DHA also affects synaptic transmission in mammalian brain. Brain cells of gerbils or rats receiving this fatty acid manifest increased levels of phosphatides and of specific presynaptic or postsynaptic proteins. They also exhibit increased numbers of dendritic spines on postsynaptic neurons. These actions are markedly enhanced in animals that have also received the other two circulating precursors for phosphatidylcholine, uridine (which gives rise to brain uridine diphosphate and cytidine triphosphate) and choline (which gives rise to phosphocholine). The actions of DHA aere reproduced by eicosapentaenoic acid, another omega-3 compound, but not by omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid. Administration of circulating phosphatide precursors can also increase neurotransmitter release (acetylcholine, dopamine) and affect animal behavior. Conceivably, this treatment might have use in patients with the synaptic loss that characterizes Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases or occurs after stroke or brain injury.

Oral supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid and uridine-5'-monophosphate increases dendritic spine density in adult gerbil hippocampus.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is an essential component of membrane phosphatides and has been implicated in cognitive functions. Low levels of circulating or brain DHA are associated with various neurocognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), while laboratory animals, including animal models of AD, can exhibit improved cognitive ability with a diet enriched in DHA. Various cellular mechanisms have been proposed for DHA's behavioral effects, including increases in cellular membrane fluidity, promotion of neurite extension and inhibition of apoptosis. However, there is little direct evidence that DHA affects synaptic structure in living animals. Here we show that oral supplementation with DHA substantially increases the number of dendritic spines in adult gerbil hippocampus, particularly when animals are co-supplemented with a uridine source, uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP), which increases brain levels of the rate-limiting phosphatide precursor CTP. The increase in dendritic spines (>30%) is accompanied by parallel increases in membrane phosphatides and in pre- and post-synaptic proteins within the hippocampus. Hence, oral DHA may promote neuronal membrane synthesis to increase the number of synapses, particularly when co-administered with UMP. Our findings provide a possible explanation for the effects of DHA on behavior and also suggest a strategy to treat cognitive disorders resulting from synapse loss.

Dietary supplementation with uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP), a membrane phosphatide precursor, increases acetylcholine level and release in striatum of aged rat.

The biosynthesis of brain membrane phosphatides, e.g., phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), may utilize three circulating compounds: choline, uridine (a precursor for UTP, CTP, and CDP-choline), and a PUFA (e.g., docosahexaenoic acid); moreover, oral administration of the uridine source uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) can significantly increase levels of the phosphatides throughout the rodent brain. Since PtdCho can provide choline for acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis, we determined whether UMP administration also affects ACh levels in striatum and striatal extracellular fluid, in aged and young rats. Among aged animals consuming a UMP-containing diet (2.5%, w/w) for 1 or 6 weeks, baseline ACh levels in striatal dialysates rose from 73 fmol/min to 148 or 197 fmol/min (P<0.05). Consuming a lower dose (0.5%) for 1 week produced a smaller but still significant increase (from 75 to 92 fmol/min, P<0.05), and elevated striatal ACh content (by 16%; P<0.05). Dietary UMP (0.5%, 1 week) also amplified the increase in ACh caused by giving atropine (10 microM in the aCSF); atropine alone increased ACh concentrations from 81 to 386 fmol/min in control rats and from 137 to 680 fmol/min in those consuming UMP (P<0.05). Young rats eating the UMP-containing diet exhibited similar increases in basal ECF ACh (from 105 to 118 fmol/min) and in the increase produced by atropine (from 489 to 560 fmol/min; P<0.05). These data suggest that giving a uridine source may enhance some cholinergic functions, perhaps by increasing brain phosphatide levels.

Connectomics and other novel methods for examining neural systems.

Novel approaches for studying the brain and relating its activities to mental phenomena have come into use during the past decade (Bargmann, 2015). These include both new laboratory methods - involving, among others, generation of isolated cells which retain neuronal characteristics in vivo; the selective stimulation of neurons by light in vivo; and direct electrical stimulation of specific brain regions to restore a system's balance of excitation and inhibition - and a new organizing principle, "connectomics", which recognizes that networks, and not simply a key nucleus or region, underlie most brain functions and malfunctions. Its application has already improved our comprehension of how the brain normally functions and our ability to help patients with such poorly treated neurologic and psychiatric diseases as Alzheimer's disease.

Synapse formation in the brain can be enhanced by co-administering three specific nutrients.

The memory impairments of early Alzheimer's disease [AD] are thought to result from a deficiency in synapses within the hippocampus and related brain regions. This deficiency could result from an acceleration in synapse turnover - perhaps caused by an endogenous neurotoxin like A-beta oligomers - or from a decrease in the production of the synaptic membrane needed to form new synapses. An AD-associated decrease in synaptogenesis almost certainly does occur, inasmuch as major decreases are also observed in the numbers of hippocampal dendritic spines, the immediate cytologic precursor of glutamatergic synapses. The syntheses of new dendritic spines and synapses can, however, be increased by concurrently raising brain levels of three circulating nutrients - uridine, omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and choline. This could provide an additional strategy for restoring synapses and thereby memory. The three nutrients are rate-limiting precursors in the Kennedy Cycle, the pathway which forms the phosphatides that are the major component of synaptic membranes. Uridine also increases the production of synaptic proteins, the other major membrane constituent, and the outgrowth of neurites. Hence administering the three nutrients accelerates synapse formation. These actions of uridine are largely mediated by uridine triphosphate (UTP), which can be released as a neurotransmitter from presynaptic terminals and can then activate P2Y2 receptors. The UTP in neurons can also be converted to cytidylyl triphosphate, CTP, the intermediate utilized in the Kennedy Cycle.

Narcolepsy and the hypocretins.

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurologic disease characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and one or more of three additional symptoms (cataplexy, or sudden loss of muscle tone; vivid hallucinations; and brief periods of total paralysis) related to the occurrence of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at inappropriate times. The daytime sleepiness typically presents as a sudden overwhelming urge to sleep, followed by periods of sleep that last for seconds or minutes, or even longer. During daytime sleep episodes, patients may exhibit "automatic behavior," performing conventionalized functions (eg, taking notes), but not remembering having done so once they are awake. About 10% of narcoleptics are members of familial clusters; however, genetic factors alone are apparently insufficient to cause the disease, inasmuch as the most common genetic disorder, a mutation in chromosome 6 controlling the HLA antigen immune complex, although seen in 90% to 100% of patients, also occurs in as many as 50% of people without narcolepsy. A dog model of narcolepsy exhibits a mutation on chromosome 12 that disrupts the processing of the peptide neurotransmitter hypocretin. No such mutation characterizes human narcolepsy; however, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin levels are profoundly depressed in narcoleptic patients, and a specific reduction in hypocretin-containing neurons has been described. One hypothesis concerning the pathophysiology of narcolepsy proposes that the HLA subtype resulting from the mutation on chromosome 6 increases the susceptibility of hypocretin-containing brain neurons to immune attack. Because hypocretin may normally participate in the maintenance of wakefulness, the loss of neurons that release this peptide might allow REM sleep to occur at inappropriate times, ie, while the patient is awake, in contrast to its normal cyclic appearance after a period of slow-wave sleep. The cataplexy, hallucinations, and/or paralysis associated with REM episodes normally are unnoticed-or, at least, not remembered-when the transition to REM follows slow wave sleep, as is normally the case; however, they are remembered when, in people with narcolepsy, the REM episode starts during a period of wakefulness. The association of narcolepsy with a deficiency in a specific neurotransmitter, in this case, hypocretin, is reminiscent of the associations between Parkinson disease and dopamine, or early Alzheimer disease and acetylcholine.

Inhibition of platelet-activating factor receptors in hippocampal plasma membranes attenuates the inflammatory nociceptive response in rats.

Evidence suggests that platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a mediator in inflammatory-based pain. Using the biphasic formalin model in rats, we recently demonstrated that PAF antagonists which were selective for either intracellular or plasma membrane PAF receptors decreased the late-phase of the nociceptive response. Inasmuch as both of the PAF antagonists previously used were administered systemically, and reportedly are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, the anatomic locations at which PAF affects pain processing remained to be elucidated. Since PAF is required for hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation, and since the hippocampus has been shown to mediate the late-phase of formalin-induced nociception, the present study investigated the effects on nociception of administration of PAF antagonists within the hippocampus, and of using agents specific for either plasma membrane (BN 52021) or intracellular (BN 50730) PAF binding sites. Intrahippocampal injections of BN 52021 decreased the late-phase of the nociceptive response in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, intrahippocampal administration of BN 50730 had no effect on inflammatory nociception. These findings suggest that hippocampal plasma membrane PAF receptors, but not intracellular PAF binding sites, mediate tonic inflammatory pain processing in rats.

Synaptic proteins and phospholipids are increased in gerbil brain by administering uridine plus docosahexaenoic acid orally.

The synthesis of brain phosphatidylcholine may utilize three circulating precursors: choline; a pyrimidine (e.g., uridine, converted via UTP to brain CTP); and a PUFA (e.g., docosahexaenoic acid); phosphatidylethanolamine may utilize two of these, a pyrimidine and a PUFA. We observe that consuming these precursors can substantially increase membrane phosphatide and synaptic protein levels in gerbil brains. (Pyrimidine metabolism in gerbils, but not rats, resembles that in humans.) Animals received, daily for 4 weeks, a diet containing choline chloride and UMP (a uridine source) and/or DHA by gavage. Brain phosphatidylcholine rose by 13-22% with uridine and choline alone, or DHA alone, or by 45% with the combination, phosphatidylethanolamine and the other phosphatides increasing by 39-74%. Smaller elevations occurred after 1-3 weeks. The combination also increased the vesicular protein Synapsin-1 by 41%, the postsynaptic protein PSD-95 by 38% and the neurite neurofibrillar proteins NF-70 and NF-M by up to 102% and 48%, respectively. However, it had no effect on the cytoskeletal protein beta-tubulin. Hence, the quantity of synaptic membrane probably increased. The precursors act by enhancing the substrate saturation of enzymes that initiate their incorporation into phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine and by UTP-mediated activation of P2Y receptors. Alzheimer's disease brains contain fewer and smaller synapses and reduced levels of synaptic proteins, membrane phosphatides, choline and DHA. The three phosphatide precursors might thus be useful in treating this disease.

A Drosophila temperature-sensitive seizure mutant in phosphoglycerate kinase disrupts ATP generation and alters synaptic function.

A novel paralytic mutant, nubian, was identified in a behavioral screen for conditional temperature-sensitive seizure mutants in Drosophila melanogaster. nubian mutants display reduced lifespan, abnormal motor behavior, altered synaptic structure, and defective neurotransmitter release. The nubian mutant disrupts phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), an enzyme required for ATP generation in the terminal stage of the glycolytic pathway. Consistent with altered ATP generation in nubian animals, brain extracts show a threefold reduction in resting ATP levels compared with controls. Microarray analysis of nubian mutants reveals altered transcription of genes implicated in glucose and lipid metabolism. Disruption of ATP generation in nubian animals is accompanied by temperature-dependent defects in neuronal activity, with initial seizure activity, followed by an activity-dependent loss of synaptic transmission. nubian mutants also display structural defects at the synapse, with larger varicosity size but normal varicosity number, indicating that these synaptic parameters are regulated independently. Both exocytotic (NSF) and endocytotic (dynamin) ATPase/GTPase activity are required for normal synaptic transmission. Biochemical and physiological analyses indicate that synaptic defects in nubian animals are secondary to defective endocytosis, suggesting that endocytotic pathways may be generally more sensitive to altered ATP levels than those used for exocytosis. Alterations in ATP metabolism likely disrupt similar pathways in humans, because PGK deficiency is associated with mental retardation, seizures, and exercise intolerance. Given the behavioral similarities between disruptions of PGK function in Drosophila and humans, the analysis of nubian animals may reveal conserved neuronal responses associated with altered ATP generation within the brain.

Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis.

Exogenous melatonin reportedly induces drowsiness and sleep, and may ameliorate sleep disturbances, including the nocturnal awakenings associated with old age. However, existing studies on the soporific efficacy of melatonin have been highly heterogeneous in regard to inclusion and exclusion criteria, measures to evaluate insomnia, doses of the medication, and routes of administration. We reviewed and analyzed (by meta-analysis) available information on effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep. A MEDLINE search (1980 to December 2003) provided English-language articles, supplemented by personal files maintained by the authors. The analysis used information derived from 17 different studies (involving 284 subjects) that satisfied inclusion criteria. Sleep onset latency, total sleep duration, and sleep efficiency were selected as the outcome measures. The study effect size was taken to be the difference between the response on placebo and the mean response on melatonin for each outcome measured. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced sleep onset latency by 4.0 min (95% CI 2.5, 5.4); increased sleep efficiency by 2.2% (95% CI 0.2, 4.2), and increased total sleep duration by 12.8 min (95% CI 2.9, 22.8). Since 15 of the 17 studies enrolled healthy subjects or people with no relevant medical condition other than insomnia, the analysis was also done including only these 15 studies. The sleep onset results were changed to 3.9 min (95% CI (2.5, 5.4)); sleep efficiency increased to 3.1% (95% CI (0.7, 5.5)); sleep duration increased to 13.7 min (95% CI (3.1, 24.3)).

Dietary uridine-5'-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats.

Membrane phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine (PC) are required for cellular growth and repair, and specifically for synaptic function. PC synthesis is controlled by cellular levels of its precursor, cytidine-5'-diphosphate choline (CDP-choline), which is produced from cytidine triphosphate (CTP) and phosphocholine. In rat PC12 cells exogenous uridine was shown to elevate intracellular CDP-choline levels, by promoting the synthesis of uridine triphosphate (UTP), which was partly converted to CTP. In such cells uridine also enhanced the neurite outgrowth produced by nerve growth factor (NGF). The present study assessed the effect of dietary supplementation with uridine-5'-monophosphate disodium (UMP-2Na+, an additive in infant milk formulas) on striatal dopamine (DA) release in aged rats. Male Fischer 344 rats consumed either a control diet or one fortified with 2.5% UMP for 6 wk, ad libitum. In vivo microdialysis was then used to measure spontaneous and potassium (K+)-evoked DA release in the right striatum. Potassium (K+)-evoked DA release was significantly greater among UMP-treated rats, i.e., 341+/-21% of basal levels vs. 283+/-9% of basal levels in control rats (p<0.05); basal DA release was unchanged. In general, each animal's K+-evoked DA release correlated with its striatal DA content, measured postmortem. The levels of neurofilament-70 and neurofilament-M proteins, biomarkers of neurite outgrowth, increased to 182+/-25% (p<0.05) and 221+/-34% (p<0.01) of control values, respectively, with UMP consumption. Hence, UMP treatment not only enhances membrane phosphatide production but also can modulate two membrane-dependent processes, neurotransmitter release and neurite outgrowth, in vivo.

Genes, stress, and depression.

A relationship between genetic makeup and susceptibility to major depressive disorder (MDD) has long been suspected on the basis of family and twin studies. A metaanalysis of reports on the basis of twin studies has estimated MDD's degree of heritability to be 0.33 (confidence interval, 0.26-0.39). Among families exhibiting an increased prevalence of MDD, risk of developing the illness was enhanced in members exposed to a highly stressful environment. Aberrant genes can predispose to depression in a number of ways, for example, by diminishing production of growth factors that act during brain development. An aberrant gene could also increase or decrease a neurotransmitter's release into synapses, its actions, or its duration of activity. The gene products of greatest interest at present are those involved in the synthesis and actions of serotonin; among them, the serotonin-uptake protein localized within the terminals and dendrites of serotonin-releasing neurons. It has been found that the Vmax of platelet serotonin uptake is low in some patients with MDD; also, Vmax is highly correlated in twins. Antidepressant drugs such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors act on this uptake protein. The specific genetic locus causing serotonin uptake to be lower in some patients with major depression involves a polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in the promoter region of the gene for the uptake protein. The gene itself exists as several alleles, the short "S" allele and the long "L" allele. The S variant is associated with less, and the L variant with more, of the uptake protein. The effect of stressful life events on depressive symptoms in young adults was found to be significantly stronger among SS or SL subjects than among LL subjects. Neuroimaging studies showed that people with the SS or SL alleles exhibited a greater activation of the amygdala in response to fearful stimuli than those with LL. It has been reported recently that mutations in the gene that controls serotonin synthesis in the human brain (tryptophan hydroxylase) also predispose to mood disturbances. It may be asked whether people who lack a psychiatric history should be advised to avoid stressful environments if they are found to carry the SS or SL alleles.

How Anticholinergic Drugs Might Promote Alzheimer's Disease: More Amyloid-ß and Less Phosphatidylcholine.

Drugs that block muscarinic cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain can, as a consequence, increase the formation of amyloid-ß, and decrease brain levels of phosphatidylcholine (by slowing its synthesis and accelerating its turnover). Both of these effects might cause a decrease in brain synapses, as characterizes and probably underlies the memory disorder of early Alzheimer's disease.