The effect of aflatoxin B1 exposure on serotonin metabolism: response to a tryptophan load.

Semi-chronic exposure of ICR male Mice to Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in non-toxic doses decreased brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and catecholamines without altering tryptophan (TRP) or tyrosine (TYR) levels. A TRP load (300 mg/kg, i.p. x 2 hours) slightly increased brain TRP levels while causing a slight decrease in 5-HT and 5-HIAA in control animals. A TRP load in AFB1 treated mice increased brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA. The TRP load caused a further reduction in brain catecholamines without altering TYR levels. Exposure to AFB significantly increased lung TRP levels without altering 5-HT or 5HIAA levels. TRP loading increased lung TRP concentrations in control mice. However, in AFB1 treated mice the increase was not significantly elevated above the level caused by AFB1 treatment alone. Lung 5-HT or 5-HIAA levels in control or AFB1 treated mice are not significantly altered by TRP loading. These experiments demonstrate that AFB1 alters brain and lung TRP metabolism.