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Effects of l-tryptophan and ethanol on sleep parameters in the rat

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Abstract

Sleep parameters were monitored following (1) a single 2 g/kg oral dose of ethanol, (2) an oral dose of l-tryptophan (600 mg/kg), and (3) administration of both drugs simultaneously. Ethanol reduced REM and increased slow wave significantly. The effects of l-tryptophan were apparent only in the case of one parameter, REM latency. Administration of both drugs resulted in a significantly shorter REM latency than that observed for ethanol administered alone. Results are discussed in terms of possible changes in the biosynthesis of 5-HT.

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Hill, S.Y., Reyes, R.B. Effects of l-tryptophan and ethanol on sleep parameters in the rat. Psychopharmacology 58, 229–233 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00427384

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