From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-09-23 19:51:03 UTC
Subject: RE: Food allergy
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1373945.1127505063939.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Okay, so it is possible that the level of tryptophan present in food may have an effect on the body's own melatonin production, especially if combined withthe changing light levels, so the levels of that amino acid could effect fur hypothetically.
http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/aminoacidderivatives.html
>Tryptopan serves as the precursor for the synthesis of serotonin (5->hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT, see also Biochemistry of Nerve Transmission) and >melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine).
...
>Melatonin is derived from serotonin within the pineal gland and the retina, >where the necessary N-acetyltransferase enzyme is found. The pineal >parenchymal cells secrete melatonin into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. >Synthesis and secretion of melatonin increases during the dark period of >the day and is maintained at a low level during daylight hours. This diurnal >variation in melatonin synthesis is brought about by norepinephrine >secreted by the postganglionic sympathetic nerves that innervate the >pineal gland. The effects of norepinephrine are exerted through interaction >with b-adrenergic receptors. This leads to increased levels of cAMP, which >in turn activate the N-acetyltransferase required for melatonin synthesis. >Melatonin functions by inhibiting the synthesis and secretion of other >neurotransmitters such as dopamine and GABA.
BTW, a recent study indicates a high level of melatonin in marrow.
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/Pineal.html
Its principal hormone is melatonin, a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan.
Synthesis and release of melatonin is
stimulated by darkness and
inhibited by light.
But even without visual cues, the level of melatonin in the blood rises and falls on a daily (circadian) cycle with peak levels occurring in the wee hours of the morning.