Abstract
Visible light inhibits the binding of melatonin and serotonin to cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMLs) in winter. The decreased binding switches the metabolism in PBMLs towards serotonin synthesis, resulting in the reduced production of melatonin. The ingestion of L-tryptophan during the day is hypothesized to increase the levels of melatonin, released from the gastrointestinal tract, in patients with winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Due to the relative shortage of light, coincident with a predisposed metabolic error, there would be no switch towards serotonin synthesis among winter SAD patients in winter. The rate of serotonin synthesis could thus remain inadequately low to maintain optimal mood in winter SAD patients.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
