IC Value
Search
About Us
Authors
Reviewers
Editorial Board
Contact Us

Serotonin (5-ht), tryptophan and 5-hiaa in weanling male albino rats fed with different local carbohydrate diets in enugu, south-east nigeria.

Authors:Ebele J. Ikekpeazu , Emeka E. Neboh , Ignatius C. Maduka , Emmanuel Esom
Int J Biol Med Res. 2010; 1(4): 259-263  |  PDF File

Abstract

Aim: The mammalian brain has been known to respond to both acute and chronic changes in diet and nutritional research has focused mainly on the effects of long-term, dietary manipulation on the brain. The present study was designed to determine the effect of different local carbohydrate (CHO) diets in Enugu, Nigeria, on plasma and brain tryptophan and brain serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) metabolism, in male albino wistar rats. Methods: Twenty (20) weanling male albino wistar rats weighing between 80-85 grams were divided into four groups (A-D) of five rats each and allowed to acclimatize. They were fed on balanced diet containing the same quantity (73.75g) of garri, rice, yam and sucrose (control) respectively, in a 100g diet for two weeks. The body and brain weights were obtained and the concentrations of blood sugar, plasma and brain tryptophan (TRP), whole brain protein, 5-HT and 5-HIAA were determined using standard analytic methods. Data obtained was analysed by student’s t-test at 99% confidence interval using SPSS computer software package and the results presented as mean ± SEM. Results: The results showed that yam significantly increased (P<0.001) brain 5-HT metabolism whereas rice significantly increased body and brain weights and also blood sugar concentrations (P<0.05). However garri showed significantly lowered values (P<0.05) in all the measured parameters. Conclusions: Local CHO influence serotonin metabolism. Thus in diet therapy, yam should be the preferable dietary CHO for conditions involving diminished 5-HT release. Similarly, garri should be considered as the CHO of choice in individuals requiring CHO restriction to lower blood sugar, especially in diabetics.