tryptophan

tryptophan /tryp·to·phan/ (Trp) (W) (trip´to-fan) a naturally occurring amino acid, existing in proteins and essential for human metabolism. It is a precursor of serotonin. Adequate levels may mitigate pellagra by compensating for deficiencies of niacin.

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tryp·to·phan (trpt-fn) or tryp·to·phane (-fn)

n. Abbr. Try

An essential amino acid formed from proteins during the digestive process by the action of proteolytic enzymes.

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Tryptophan

An essential amino acid that has to consumed in the diet because it cannot be manufactured by the body. Tryptophan is converted by the body to niacin, one of the B vitamins.

Mentioned in: Hartnup Disease

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tryptophan (Trp)

[trip′təfan]

an amino acid essential for normal growth and nitrogen balance. Tryptophan is the precursor of several important biomolecules, including serotonin and niacin. See also amino acid, protein.

Chemical structure of tryptophan

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tryptophan [trip´to-fan]

a naturally occurring amino acid, one of the essential amino acids; it is a precursor of serotonin. Adequate levels in the diet may mitigate pellagra by compensating for deficiencies of niacin.

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tryptophan (tripˑ·t·fan),

n an essential amino acid used in the treatment of insomnia, depression, behavioral disorders, stress, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Also called
L-tryptophan.

Chemical structure of tryptophan.

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tryptophan,

n one of the essential amino acids. See also amino acid.

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tryptophan, tryptophane

Trp; a naturally occurring amino acid, existing in proteins. High levels of intake of d,l-tryptophan are thought to be a significant cause of atypical interstitial pneumonia in cattle. The actual toxic agent is 3-methylindole, a metabolic product of d,l-tryptophan in the rumen.

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D, L-tryptophan

component of some roughages; high levels can cause acute bovine pulmonary emphysema and edema.

tryptophan oxygenase

first enzyme in the catabolic pathway for tryptophan. Essential step in the pathway to synthesis of nicotinamide nucleotides NAD+ and NADP+. Approximately 30% of the nicotinamide nucleotide requirement of some animals can be supplied through this enzyme. The cat is notably lacking in the latter capacity.