Impact of Reduced Maternal Tryptophan on the Placenta-Brain Axis

While no reductions in maternal tryptophan and serotonin were observed, both metabolites were significantly reduced in in the placenta and fetal brain of male and female conceptuses (p < 0.05). Female conceptuses were particularly sensitive to reductions in maternal tryptophan with 652 and 29 transcripts being altered in the female placenta and fetal brain of low maternal tryptophan dams compared to control dams. Transcriptome changes, such as Sl6ca4 and Slc6a19 (transporter for tryptophan), in these organs were linked to reductions in tryptophan and serotonin amounts.

Findings might have clinical relevance to pregnant women as they show even subtle reductions in one amino acid might profoundly influence offspring development and potential later risk for neurobehavioral disorders and the female conceptuses might be more vulnerable to in utero nutrient changes.