tryptophane

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.

---

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.