An unexpected effect of L-5 hydroxytryptophan-ethyl-ester combined with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor on human serum prolactin.

While the 5-HT precursors tryptophan and 1-5-HTP cause an increase in serum prolactin concentration, a combination of 1-5-HTP with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor was found to reduce the serum prolactin concentration. This combination seemed to behave like a DA agonist. This effect is not produced by the decarboxylase inhibitor per se. A possible explanation is that 5-HTP is converted to 5-HT in CA-ergic neurons, that 5-HT supersedes the CA from the stores, and that some of the CA reach the synaptic cleft and stimulate CA receptors. Another possible explanation is that 5-HTP decarboxylase is centrally inhibited as well, and that an effect of 5-HTP itself is involved here. In view of the observations made it is doubtful whether the therapeutic effect of 5-HTP combined with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in depressions and myoclonus can in fact be atributed to activation of central serotonergic systems.