Yet another pathway by which chronic inflammatory processes can effect attention, executive function, memory (new paper)

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This is a new paper on reduced synthesis of brain catecholamines

(=attention, executive function) from precursor amino acids during

chronic inflammatory states.

This is another pathway by which chronic inflammatory processes can

effect attention, executive function, lack of sufficient arousal for

long term potentiation of memory, etc.

To add to the list..

Chronic Immune Stimulation Correlates with Reduced Phenylalanine Turnover

pp.622-627 (6) Authors: G. Neurauter, K. Schrocksnadel, S.

Scholl-Burgi, B. Sperner-Unterweger, C. Schubert, M. Ledochowski, D.

Fuchs

Abstract

Neurospychiatric symptoms like mood changes and depression are common

in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as infections,

autoimmune diseases or cancer. The pathogenesis of these symptoms is

still unclear. Pro-inflammatory stimuli interfere not only with the

neural circuits and neurotransmitters of the serotonergic, but also

with those of the adrenergic system. The proinflammatory cytokine

interferon-γ stimulates the biosynthesis of

5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), which is cofactor for several

aromatic amino acid monooxygenases and thus is strongly involved in

the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the

catecholamines dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine

(noradrenaline). In macrophages, interferon-γ also triggers the high

output of reactive oxygen species, which can destroy the

oxidation-labile BH4. Recent data suggest that oxidative loss of BH4

in chronic inflammatory conditions can reduce the biosynthesis of

catecholamines, which may relate to disturbed adrenergic

neurotransmitter pathways in patients.

Keywords: Phenylalanine, phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase (PAH),

tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), inflammation, immune activation,

interferon-γ, oxidative stress

Affiliation: Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck

Medical University, Fritz Pregl Strasse 3, Innsbruck, Austria.