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Free L-tryptophan plasma levels in antisocial violent offenders

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Abstract.

Rationale: Several studies have shown that impulsive violent behavior is associated with reduced serotonin metabolism in the brain, but no data exist on possible alterations of the serotonin precursor (free L-tryptophan) levels among violent offenders. Objectives: To study free L-tryptophan and kynurenine plasma levels among antisocial violent offenders. Methods: Free L-tryptophan and competing amino acid (CAA) plasma levels were measured among 19 male impulsive antisocial violent offenders and 19 age-matched healthy male controls. Results: Mean free L-tryptophan/(CAA) plasma levels were 160% (95% CI 116%–204%) higher among offenders than controls (P=0.000). Seventeen of the 19 offenders (89.5%) had values of more than 2 SD above the mean value of controls. The levels of kynurenine, the major metabolite of tryptophan, were slightly increased in offenders. Conclusion: Free plasma L-tryptophan/CAA levels were markedly increased among antisocial violent offenders indicating a disturbed tryptophan metabolism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 320, 00029 Hus, Finland, , , , ,

    Jari Tiihonen

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 320, 00029 Hus, Finland, , , , ,

    Matti Virkkunen

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Peltolantie 5, 90220 Oulu, Finland, , , , ,

    Pirkko Räsänen

  4. Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 95, 70701 Kuopio, Finland, , , , ,

    Sirpa Pennanen

  5. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland, , , , ,

    Eeva-Liisa Sainio & Jyrki Liesivuori

  6. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland, , , , ,

    James Callaway

  7. Computing Centre, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland, , , , ,

    Pirjo Halonen

Authors
  1. Jari Tiihonen
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  2. Matti Virkkunen
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  3. Pirkko Räsänen
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  4. Sirpa Pennanen
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  5. Eeva-Liisa Sainio
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  6. James Callaway
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  7. Pirjo Halonen
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  8. Jyrki Liesivuori
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Tiihonen, J., Virkkunen, M., Räsänen, P. et al. Free L-tryptophan plasma levels in antisocial violent offenders. Psychopharmacology 157, 395–400 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130100842

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130100842

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