Developmental role of tryptophan hydroxylase in the nervous system

The serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotransmitter system contributes to various physiological and pathological conditions. 5-HT is the first neurotransmitter for which a developmental role was suspected. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) catalyzes the rate-limiting reaction in the biosynthesis of...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular neurobiology 2007, Vol.35 (1), p.45-53
Main Authors: Nakamura, Kazuhiro, Hasegawa, Hiroyuki
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Behavior - physiology
Behavior, Animal - physiology
Biosynthesis
Brain
Brain stem
Enzymes
Homeostasis
Humans
Isoenzymes - genetics
Isoenzymes - metabolism
Kinetics
Mental disorders
Mental Disorders - metabolism
Mental Disorders - physiopathology
Nervous system
Nervous System - embryology
Nervous System - enzymology
Nervous System - growth & development
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Neurology
Neurotransmitters
Pineal gland
Serotonin
Serotonin - metabolism
Tryptophan
Tryptophan hydroxylase
Tryptophan Hydroxylase - genetics
Tryptophan Hydroxylase - metabolism
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotransmitter system contributes to various physiological and pathological conditions. 5-HT is the first neurotransmitter for which a developmental role was suspected. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) catalyzes the rate-limiting reaction in the biosynthesis of 5-HT. Both TPH1 and TPH2 have tryptophan hydroxylating activity. TPH2 is abundant in the brain, whereas TPH1 is mainly expressed in the pineal gland and the periphery. However, TPH1 was found to be expressed predominantly during the late developmental stage in the brain. Recent advances have shed light on the kinetic properties of each TPH isoform. TPH1 showed greater affinity for tryptophan and stronger enzymic activity than TPH2 under conditions reflecting those in the developing brain stem. Transient alterations in 5-HT homeostasis during development modify the fine wiring of brain connections and cause permanent changes to adult behavior. An increasing body of evidence suggests the involvement of developmental brain disturbances in psychiatric disorders. These findings have revived a long-standing interest in the developmental role of 5-HT-related molecules. This article summarizes our understanding of the kinetics and possible neuronal functions of each TPH during development and in the adult.
ISSN:0893-7648
1559-1182
DOI:10.1007/BF02700623