Abstract.
Rationale: Recent case series suggest that chromium picolinate in doses of 400 µg daily may have antidepressant properties, perhaps through increasing the peripheral availability of tryptophan for brain serotonin (5-HT) synthesis. Objectives: To determine the effects of chromium treatment on plasma tryptophan availability and on brain 5-HT function in human and animal models. Methods: We studied the effects of short-term chromium supplementation on plasma concentrations of tryptophan and other large neutral amino acids. Brain 5-HT function was assessed by measuring the corticosterone/cortisol response to the 5-HT precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a response believed to be mediated via indirect activation of 5-HT2A receptors. Results: In rats, chromium increased peripheral and central tryptophan availability and elevated brain 5-HT content. Changes in peripheral tryptophan availability were not seen in humans but in both rats and humans, chromium lowered the cortisol response to challenge with 5-HTP. Conclusions: Chromium can modify brain 5-HT function in humans and animals, perhaps by altering the sensitivity of central 5-HT2A receptors.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Attenburrow, .MJ., Odontiadis, .J., Murray, .B. et al. Chromium treatment decreases the sensitivity of 5-HT2A receptors. Psychopharmacology 159, 432–436 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-001-0960-7
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-001-0960-7