Publications from the Wurtman Lab

Alzheimer's Disease

Wurtman, R.J. Alzheimer's disease. Sci. Am., 252:62-74, 1985.
[ instant abstract

Nitsch, R.M., Blusztajn, J.K., Pittas, A.G., Slack, B.E., Growdon, J.H., Wurtman, R.J. Evidence for a membrane defect in Alzheimer disease brain. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 89:1671-1675, 1992.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Nitsch, R.M., Slack, B.E., Wurtman, R.J., Growdon, J.H. Release of Alzheimer amyloid precursor derivatives stimulated by activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Science, 258:304-307, 1992.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Hung, A.Y., Haass, C., Nitsch, R.M., Qiu, W.Q., Citron, M., Wurtman, R.J., Growdon, J.H., and Selkoe, D.J. Activation of protein kinase C inhibits cellular production of the amyloid ß-protein. J. Biol. Chem., 268(31):22959-22962, 1993.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Nitsch, R.M., Farber, S.A., Growdon, J.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Release of amyloid ß-protein precursor derivatives by electrical depolarization of rat hippocampal slices. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 90:5191-5193, 1993.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Nitsch, R.M., Wurtman, R.J., Growdon, J.H. Regulation of proteolytic processing of the amyloid ß-protein precursor by first messengers: A novel approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Drug Res., 45(1)435-438, 1995.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Lee, R.K.K., Wurtman, R.J., Cox, A.J., and Nitsch, R.M. Amyloid precursor protein processing is stimulated by metabotropic glutamate receptors. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 92:8083-8087, 1995.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Farber, S.A., Nitsch, R.M., Schultz, J.G., and Wurtman, R.J. Regulated secretion of ß-amyloid precursor protein in rat brain. J. Neurosci., 15(11):7442-7451, 1995.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Nitsch, R.M., Deng, M., Growdon, J.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Serotonin 5-HT2a and 5-HT2c receptors stimulate amyloid precursor protein ectodomain secretion. J. Biol. Chem., 271(8):4188-4194, 1996.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Petryniak, M.A., Wurtman, R.J., and Slack, B.E. Elevated intracellular calcium concentration increases secretory processing of the amyloid precursor protein by a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent mechanism. Biochem. J., 320:957-963, 1996.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Ulus, I.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists increase release of soluble amyloid precursor protein derivatives from rat brain cortical and hippocampal slices. J. Pharm. Exp. Ther., 281:149-154, 1997.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Lee, R.K.K., and Wurtman, R.J. Metabotropic glutamate receptors increase amyloid precursor protein processing in astrocytes: Inhibition by cyclic AMP. J. Neurochem., 68(5):1830-1835, 1997.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Lee, R.K.K., Araki, W., and Wurtman, R.J. Stimulation of amyloid precursor protein synthesis by adrenergic receptors coupled to cAMP formation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 94:5422-5426, 1997.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Nitsch, R.M., Deng, A., Wurtman, R.J., and Growdon, J.H. Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype mGluR1a stimulates the secretion of the amyloid ß-protein precursor ectodomain. J. Neurochem., 69(2):704-712, 1997.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Slack, B.E., Breu, J., Muchnicki, L., and Wurtman, R.J. Rapid stimulation of amyloid precursor protein release by epidermal growth factor: Role of protein kinase C. Biochem. J., 327:245-249, 1997.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Lee, R.K.K., Knapp, S., and Wurtman, R.J. Prostaglandin E2 stimulates amyloid precursor protein gene expression: Inhibition by immunosuppressants. J. Neurosci., 19(3):940-947, 1999.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Wang, C., Wurtman, R.J., and Lee, R.K.K. Amyloid precursor protein and membrane phospholipids in primary cortical neurons increase with development, or after exposure to nerve growth factor or Aß1-40. Brain Res., 865:157-167, 2000.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Arjona, A.A., Pooler, A.M., Wurtman, R.J., and Lee, R.K. Effect of 5-HT_2C serotonin agonist, dexnorfenfluramine, on amyloid precursor protein metabolism in Guinea pigs. Brain Research, 951:135-140, 2002.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Teather, L.A., Magnusson, J.E., Chow, C.M., and Wurtman, R.J. Environmental conditions influence hippocampal-dependent behaviors and brain levels of amyloid precursor protein. Eur. J. Neurosci. 16:2405-2415,2002.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Pooler, A.M., Arjona, A.A., Lee, R.K., and Wurtman, R.J. Prostaglandin E2 regulates amyloid precursor protein expression via the EP2 receptor in cultured rat microglia. Neurosci. Letters 362:127-130, 2004.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Teather, L.A. and Wurtman, R.J. Dietary CDP-choline supplementation prevents memory impairment caused by impoverished environmental conditions in rats. Learning and Memory, 12:39-43, 2005.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Teather, L.A. and Wurtman, R.J. Dietary cytidine (5')-diphosphocholine supplementation protects against development of memory deficits in aging rats. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharm. & Biological Psychiatry 27:711-717, 2003.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Pooler, A.M., Xi, S.C., Wurtman, R.J. The 3-hydrox-3-methyglutary co-enzyme A reductase inhibitor pravastatin enhances neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons. J. Neurochem. 97:716-723, 2006.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Slack, B.E., Wurtman, R.J. Regulation of synthesis and metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein by extracellular signals. Research Progress in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia ed. Miao-Kun Sun,Chpt. 1, pp. 1-29, 2006.[PDF]

Cansev, M., Wurtman R.J., Sakamoto, T., Ulus, I.H. Oral administration of circulating precursors for membrane phosphatides can promote the synthesis of new brain synapses. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 4:S153-S168, 2008. [PDF]

Cansev, M., Ulus, I.H., Wang, L., Maher T.J., Wurtman, R.J. Restorative effects of uridine plus docosahexaenoic acid in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Neuroscience Research, in press, 2008. [PDF]

Cansev, M., Marzloff, G., Sakamoto, T., Ulus, I.H., Wurtman, R.J. Giving uridine plus docosahexaenoic acid orally to rat dams during gestation and nursing increases synaptic elements in brains of weanling pups. Developmental Neuroscience, submitted, 2008. [PDF]

go to top of page

Amino Acids

Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. Daily rhythmic changes in the tyrosine transaminase of the rat liver. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 57(6):1594-1598, 1967.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Wurtman, R.J., Chou, C., and Rose, C.M. Daily rhythm in tyrosine concentration in human plasma: Persistence on low-protein diets. Science, 158(3801):660-662, 1967.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Wurtman, R.J., and Larin, R. A sensitive and specific isotopic assay for the estimation of tyrosine transaminase. Biochem. Pharm., 17:817-818, 1968.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Wurtman, R.J., Shoemaker, W.J., and Larin, F. Mechanism of the daily rhythm in hepatic tyrosine transaminase activity: Role of dietary tryptophan. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 59(3):800-807, 1968.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Wurtman, R.J., Rose, C.M., Chou, C., and Larin, F.F. Daily rhythms in the concentrations of various amino acids in human plasma. New Eng. J. Med., 279(4):171-175, 1968.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Zigmond, M.J., Shoemaker, W.J., Larin, F., and Wurtman, R.J. Hepatic tyrosine transaminase rhythm: Interaction of environmental lighting, food consumption and dietary protein content. J. Nutrition, 98(1):71-75, 1969.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Fishman, B, Wurtman, R.J., and Munro, H.N. Daily rhythms in hepatic polysome profiles and tyrosine transaminase activity: Role of dietary protein. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 64(2):677-682, 1969.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Wurtman, R.J. Diurnal rhythms in mammalian protein metabolism. In: Mammalian Protein Metabolism (H.N. Munro, ed.) Academic Press, New York, Vol 4, Chapter 36, 1970.[PDF]

Cohn, C., Joseph, D., Larin, F., Shoemaker, W.J., Wurtman, R.J. Influence of feeding habits and adrenal cortex on diurnal rhythm of hepatic tyrosine transaminase activity. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med., 133(2):460-462, 1970.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Fernstrom, J.D., Larin, F., and Wurtman, R.J. Daily variations in the concentrations of individual amino acids in rat plasma. Life Sci., 10(1):813-819, 1971.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Elevation of plasma tryptophan by insulin in rat. Metabolism, 21(4):337-342, 1972.[PDF]

Ross, D.S., Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. The role of dietary protein in generating daily rhythms in rat liver tryptophan pyrrolase and tyrosine transaminase. Metabolism, 22(9):1175-1184, 1973.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Lipsett, D., Madras, B.K., Wurtman, R.J., and Munro, H.M. Serum tryptophan level after carbohydrate ingestion: Selective decline in non-albumin-bound tryptophan coincident with reduction in serum free fatty acids. Life Sci., 12(II):57-64, 1973. [PDF]

Madras, B.K., Cohen, E.L., Fernstrom, J.D., Larin, F., Munro, H.N., and Wurtman, R.J. Dietary carbohydrate increases brain tryptophan and decreases serum-free tryptophan. Nature, 244(5410):34-35, 1973.[PDF]

Ordonez, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Enzymes catalyzing the de novo synthesis of methyl groups in the brain and other tissues of the rat. J. Neurochem., 21:1447-1455, 1973. [PDF]

Rubin, R.A., Ordonez, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Physiological dependence of brain methionine and s-adenosylmethionine concentrations on serum amino acid pattern. J. Neurochem., 23:227-231, 1974. [PDF]

Madras, B.K., Cohen, E.L., Messing, R., Munro, H.N., and Wurtman, R.J. Relevance of free tryptophan in serum to tissue tryptophan concentrations. Metabolism, 23(12):1107-1116, 1974.[PDF]

Fernstrom, J.D., Munro, H.N., and Wurtman, R.J. Brain tryptophan in rats on a high fat diet. Nature, 265(5591):277, 1977. [PDF]

Fernstrom, J.D., Wurtman, R.J., Hammarstrom-Wiklund, Rand, W.M., Munro, H.N., and Davidson, C.S. Diurnal variations in plasma concentrations of tryptophan, tyrosine, and other neutral amino acids: Effect of dietary protein intake. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 32:1912-1922, 1979.[PDF]

Fernstrom, J.D., Wurtman, R.J., Hammarstrom-Wiklund, Rand, W.M., Munro, H.N., Davidson, C.S. Diurnal variations in plasma neutral amino acid concentrations among patients with cirrhosis: Effect of dietary protein. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 32:1923-1933, 1979.[PDF]

Glaeser, B.S., Melamed, E., Growdon, J.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Elevation of plasma tyrosine after a single oral dose of L-tyrosine. Life Sci., 25:265-271, 1979.[PDF]

Maher, T.J., and Wurtman, R.J. L-threonine administration increases glycine concentrations in the rat central nervous system. Life Sci., 26:1283-1286, 1980.[PDF]

Melamed, E., Glaeser, B., Growdon, J.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma tyrosine in normal humans: Effects of oral tyrosine and protein-containing meals. J. Neur. Trans., 47:299-306, 1980.[PDF]

Martin-Du-Pan, R., Mauron, C., Glaeser, B., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of various oral glucose doses on plasma neutral amino acid levels. Metabolism, 31(9):937-943, 1982.[PDF]

Yokogoshi, H., and Wurtman, R.J. Meal composition and plasma amino acid ratios: Effect of various proteins or carbohydrates, and of various protein concentrations. Metabolism, 35(9):837-842, 1986.[PDF]

Caballero, B., Mahon, B.E., Rohr, F.J., Levy, H.L., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma amino acid levels after single-dose aspartame consumption in phenylketonuria, mild hyperphenylalaninemia, and heterozygous state for phenylketonuria. J. Pediatrics, 109(4):668-671, 1986. [PDF]

Caballero, B., Finer, N., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma amino acid levels in obesity: Effects of insulin resistance. In: Amino Acids in Health and Diseases: New Perspectives (S. Kaufman, ed.) Alan R. Liss, Inc., New York, pp.369-382, 1987. [PDF]

Caballero, B., Finer, N., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma amino acids and insulin levels in obesity: Response to carbohydrate intake and tryptophan supplements. Metabolism, 37(7):672-676, 1988.[PDF]

Caballero, B., Gleason, R.E., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma amino acid concentrations in healthy elderly men and women. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 53:1249-1252, 1991.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Presynaptic control of release of amine neurotransmitters by precursor levels. NIPS (Am. Physiol. Soc.), 3:158-163, 1988.[PDF]

Caballero, B., and Wurtman, R.J. Differential effects of insulin resistance on leucine and glucose kinetics in obesity. Metabolism, 40(1):51-58, 1991.[PDF]

Bogdanov, M.B., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of systemic or oral ad libitum monosodium glutamate administration on striatal glutamate release, as measured using microdialysis in freely moving rats. Brain Res., 660:337-340, 1994. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Wurtman, J.J., Regan, M.M., McDermott, J.M., Tsay, R.H., and Breu, J.J. Effects of normal meals rich in carbohydrates or proteins on the plasma tryptophan ratio. Am. J. Clin. Nutrition, 77:128-132, 2003.
[ instant abstract

] [ PDF ]

Wurtman, R.J. Tryptophan. In: Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, 3rd edition [on CD ROM] (G. Adelman, B.H. Smith, eds.) Elsevier Science, 2004.[PDF]

Cansev, M., Wurtman, R.J. Aromatic amino acids in the brain. In:Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology, Third ed., vol. 6, Chpt. 4, pp. 60-97, (A. Lajtha, ed.), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2007. [PDF]

Wang, L., Maher, T.J., Wurtman, R.J. Oral L-glutamine increases GABA levels in striatal tissue and extracellular fluid. FASEB 21:1227-1232, 2007. [PDF]

go to top of page

Choline/Acetylcholine/Phosphatides/Fatty Acids

Cohen, E.L., and Wurtman, R.J. Brain acetylcholine: Increase after systemic choline administration. Life Sci., 16:1095-1102, 1975.[PDF]

Cohen, E., and Wurtman, R.J. Brain acetylcholine: Control by dietary choline. Science, 191:561-562, 1976. [PDF]

Ulus, I.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Choline Administration: Activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in dopaminergic neurons of rat brain. Science, 194:1060-1061, 1976.[PDF]

Growdon, J.H., Cohen, E.L., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of oral choline administration on serum and CSF choline levels in patients with Huntington's Disease. J. Neurochem., 28:229-231, 1977. [PDF]

Ulus, I.H., Hirsch, M.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Trans-synaptic induction of adrenomedullary tyrosine hydroxylase activity by choline: Evidence that choline administration can increase cholinergic transmission. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 74(2):798-800, 1977.[PDF]

Growdon, J.H., Gelenberg, A.J., Doller, J., Hirsch, M.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Lecithin can suppress tardive dyskinesia. New Eng. J. Med., 298:1029-1030, 1978.[PDF]

Ulus, I.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Selective response of rat peripheral sympathetic nervous system to various stimuli. J. Physiol., 293:513-523, 1979.[PDF]

Blusztajn, J.K., Zeisel, S.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Synthesis of lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) from phosphatidyl-ethanolamine in bovine brain. Brain Res., 179:319-327, 1979.[PDF]

Growdon, J.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Oral choline administration to patients with Huntington's disease. In: Advances in Neurology. (A. Barbeau, N. Wexler, and T.N. Chase, eds.) Raven Press, New York, Vol. 23:765-776, 1979.[PDF]

Zeisel, S.H., Epstein, M.F., and Wurtman, R.J. Elevated choline concentration in neonatal plasma. Life Sci., 26:1827-1831, 1980.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Hefti, F., and Melamed, E. Precursor control of neurotransmitter synthesis. Pharmacological Reviews, 32(4):315-335, 1980.[PDF]

Magil, S.G., Zeisel, S.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of ingesting soy or egg lecithins on serum choline, brain choline and brain acetylcholine. J. Nutrition, 111(1):166-170, 1981.[PDF]

Blusztajn, J.K., and Wurtman, R.J. Choline biosynthesis by a preparation enriched in synaptosomes from rat brain. Nature, 290(5085):417-418, 1981.[PDF]

Zeisel, S.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Developmental changes in rat blood choline concentration. Biochem. J., 198:565-570, 1981.[PDF]

Millington, W.R., and Wurtman, R.J. Choline administration elevates brain phosphorylcholine concentrations. J. Neurochem., 38(6):1748-1752, 1982.[PDF]

Zeisel, S.H., Stanbury, J.B., Wurtman, R.J., Brigida, M.,and Fierro-Benitez, R. Choline content of mothers' milk in Ecuador and Boston. New Eng. J. Med., 306(3):175-176, 1982. [PDF]

Blusztajn, J.K., and Wurtman, R.J. Choline and cholinergic neurons. Science, 221:614-620, 1983. [PDF]

Blusztajn, J.K., Zeisel, S.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Developmental changes in the activity of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferases in rat brain. Biochem. J., 232:505-511, 1985. [PDF]

Maire, J.C., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of electrical stimulation and choline availability on the release and contents of acetylcholine and choline in superfused slices from rat striatum. J. Physiol., 80:189-195, 1985. [PDF]

Liscovitch, M., Freese, A., Blusztajn, J.K., and Wurtman, R.J. High-performance liquid chromatography of water-soluble choline metabolites. Analyt. Biochem., 151:182-187, 1985. [PDF]

Tacconi, M.T., and Wurtman, R.J. Rat brain phosphatidyl-N,N-dimethylethanolamine is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. J. Neurochem., 45(3):805-809, 1985.[PDF]

Tacconi, M.T., and Wurtman, R.J. Phosphatidylcholine produced in rat synaptosomes by N-methylation is enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 82:4828-4831, 1985.[PDF]

Lopez G.-C., I., Agut, J., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of cytidine(5')diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) on the total urinary excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) by rats and humans. J. Neural Trans., 66:129-134, 1986.[PDF]

Liscovitch, M., Freese, A., Blusztajn, J.K., and Wurtman, R.J. Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in the neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cell line NG108-15: Stimulation by phorbol esters. J. Neurochem., 47(6):1936-1941, 1986.[PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Wurtman, R.J., Blusztajn, J.K., Lopez G.-Coviella, I., Maher, T.J., and Evoniuk, G.E. Decreased plasma choline concentrations in marathon runners. New Eng. J. Med., 315:892, 1986. [PDF]

Liscovitch, M., Blusztajn, J.K., Freese, A., and Wurtman, R.J. Stimulation of choline release from NG108-15 cells by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. Biochem. J., 241:81-86, 1987.[PDF]

Lakher, M., and Wurtman, R.J. In vivo synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in rat brain via the phospholipid methylation pathway. Brain Res., 419:131-140, 1987.[PDF]

Lakher, M.B., and Wurtman, R.J. Molecular composition of the phosphatidylcholines produced by the phospholipid methylation pathway in rat brain in vivo. Biochem. J., 244:325-330, 1987.[PDF]

Lopez G.-C., I., Agut, J., Von Borstel, R., and Wurtman, R.J. Metabolism of cytidine (5')-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) following oral and intravenous administration to the human and the rat. Neurochem. Int., 11(3):293-297, 1987.[PDF]

Liscovitch, M., Slack, B., Blusztajn, J.K., and Wurtman, R.J. Differential regulation of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and diacylglycerol in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. J. Biol. Chem., 262(36):17487-17491, 1987.[PDF]

Holbrook, P.G., and Wurtman, R.J. Presence of base-exchange activity in rat brain nerve endings: Dependence on soluble substrate concentrations and effect of cations. J. Neurochem., 50:156-162, 1988. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Presynaptic control of release of amine neurotransmitters by precursor levels. NIPS (Am. Physiol. Soc.), 3:158-163, 1988.[PDF]

Ulus, I.H., Wurtman, R.J., Mauron, C., and Blusztajn, J.K. Choline increases acetylcholine release and protects against the stimulation-induced decrease in phosphatide levels within membranes of rat corpus striatum. Brain Res., 484:217-227, 1989.[PDF]

Slack, B.E., Liscovitch, M., Blusztajn, and Wurtman, R.J. Uptake of exogenous phosphatidylserine by human neuroblastoma cells stimulates the incorporation of [methyl-14C]Choline into Phosphatidylcholine. J. Neurochem., 53(2)472-481, 1989.[PDF]

Buyukuysal, R.L., and Wurtman, R.J. 4-aminopyridine increases acetylcholine release without diminishing membrane phosphatidylcholine. J. Neurochem., 54(4):1302-1309, 1990. [PDF]

Blusztajn, J.K., Growdon, J.H., Lee, H.-C., Liscovitch, M., Logue, M., Lopez, G.-Coviella, I., Mauron, C., Richardson, U.I., Ulus, I., and Wurtman, R.J. Abnormal phospholipid turnover and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Bulletin of Clin. Neurosci., 55:91-98, 1990.[PDF]

Buyukuysal, R.L., Holmes, T.C., and Wurtman, R.J. Interactions of 3,4-diaminopyridine and choline in stimulating acetylcholine release and protecting membrane phospholipids. Brain Res., 541:1-6, 1991.[PDF]

Sandmann, J., Peralta, E.G., and Wurtman, R.J. Coupling of transfected muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes to phospholipase D. J. Biol. Chem., 266(10):6031-6034, 1991.[PDF]

Lopez, G.-Coviella, I., and Wurtman, R.J. Enhancement by cytidine of membrane phospholipid synthesis. J. Neurochem., 59(1):338-343, 1992. [PDF]

Lopez, G.-Coviella, I., Agut, J., Ortiz, J.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of orally administered cytidine 5'diphosphate choline on brain phospholipid content. J. Nutr. Biochem., 3:313-315, 1992.[PDF]

Ulus, I.H., Buyukuysal, R.L., and Wurtman, R.J. N-methyl-d-aspartate increases acetylcholine release from rat striatum and cortex: Its effect is augmented by choline. J. Pharm. Exp. Therap., 261(3):1122-1128, 1992.[PDF]

Johnson, D.A., Ulus, I.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Caffeine potentiates the enhancement by choline of striatal acetylcholine release. Life Sci., 51:1597-1601, 1992.[PDF]

Slack, B.E., Nitsch, R.M., Livneh, E., Kunz, G.M., Breu, J., Eldar, H., and Wurtman, R.J. Regulation by phorbol esters of amyloid precursor protein release from Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts overexpressing protein kinase Ca. J. Biol. Chem., 268(28):21097-21101, 1993.[PDF]

Farber, S.A., Kischka, U., Marshall, D.L., and Wurtman, R.J. Potentiation by choline of basal and electrically evoked acetylcholine release, as studied using a novel device which both stimulates and perfuses rat corpus striatum. Brain Res., 607:177-184, 1993. [PDF]

Nitsch, R.M., Blusztajn, J.K., Doyle, F.M., Robitaille, Y., Wurtman, R.J., Growdon, J.H., and Kish, S.J. Phospholipid metabolite levels are altered in cerebral cortex of patients with dominantly inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Neurosci. Lett., 161:191-194, 1993.[PDF]

Jackson, D.A., Kischka, U., and Wurtman, R.J. Choline enhances scopolamine-induced acetylcholine release in dorsal hippocampus of conscious, freely-moving rats. Life Sci., 56(1):45-49, 1995. [PDF]

Slack, B.E., Breu, J., Livneh, E., Eldar, H., and Wurtman, R.J. Phorbol ester stimulates choline uptake in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts following introduction of the gene encoding protein kinase Ca. Biochem. J., 305:621-626, 1995.[PDF]

Savci, V., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of cytidine on membrane phospholipid synthesis in rat striatal slices. J. Neurochem., 64(1):378-384, 1995. [PDF]

Lopez G.-Coviella, I., Agut, J., Savci, V., Ortiz, J.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Evidence that 5'-Cytidinediphosphocholine can affect brain phospholipid composition by increasing choline and cytidine plasma levels. J. Neurochem., 65(2):889-894, 1995.[PDF]

Farber, S.A., Savci, V., Wei, A., Slack, B.E., Wurtman, R.J. Choline's phosphorylation in rat striatal slices is regulated by the activity of cholinergic neurons. Brain Res., 723:90-99, 1996. [PDF]

Spiers, P.A., Myers, D., Hochanadel, G.S., Lieberman, H.R., and Wurtman, R.J. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch. Neurol., 53:441-448, 1996.[PDF]

Cohen, B.C., Renshaw, P.F., Stoll, A.L., Wurtman, R.M., Yurgelun-Todd, D., Babb, S.M. Decreased brain choline uptake in older adults. An in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. JAMA, 274(11):902-907,1995. [PDF]

Babb, S.M., Appelmans, K.E., Renshaw, P.F., Wurtman, R.J., Cohen, B.M. Differential effect of CDP-choline on brain cystolic choline levels in younger and older subjects as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Psychopharmacology 127:88-94, 1996. [PDF]

Araki, W., and Wurtman, R.J. Control of membrane phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis by diacylglycerol levels in neuronal cells undergoing neurite outgrowth. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 94:11946-11950, 1997.[PDF]

Li, J., and Wurtman, R.J. Nerve growth factor stimulates diacylglycerol de novo synthesis and phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in pheochromocytoma cells. Brain Res., 803:44-53, 1998.[PDF]

Li, J., and Wurtman, R.J. Mechanisms whereby nerve growth factor increases diacylglycerol levels in differentiating PC12 cells. Brain Res., 818:252-259, 1999.[PDF]

Li, J., and Wurtman, R.J. Heterogeneous long chain Acyl-CoA synthetases control distribution of individual fatty acids in newly-formed glycerolipids of neuronal cells undergoing neurite outgrowth. Neurochem. Res., 24(6):739-750, 1999.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Regan, M., Ulus, I., and Yu, L. Effect of oral CDP-choline on plasma choline and uridine levels in humans. Biochem. Pharm., 60:989-992, 2000.[PDF]

Teather, L.A., Lee, R., and Wurtman, R.J. Platelet-activating factor increases prostaglandin E₂ release from astrocyte-enriched cortical cell cultures. Brain Res. 946(1)87-95, 2002.[PDF]

Teather, L.A., Magnusson, J.E., and Wurtman, R.J. Platelet-activating factor antagonists decrease the inflammatory nociceptive response in rats. Psychopharm. 163:430-433, 2002.[PDF]

Richardson, U.I., Watkins, C.J., Pierre, C., Ulus, I.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Stimulation of CDP-choline synthesis by uridine or cytidine in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells Brain Research, 971(2):161-167, 2003.[PDF]

Teather, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Cyclooxygenase-2 mediates platelet-activating factor-induced Prostaglandin E₂ release from rat primary astrocytes. Neuroscience Letters 340:177-180, 2003.[PDF]

Teather, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. DIetary CDP-choline supplementation prevents memory impairment caused by impoverished environmental conditions in rats. Learning and Memory. 12:39-43, 2005. [PDF]

Pooler, A.M., Guez, D.H., Benedictus, R., and Wurtman, R.J. Uridine enhances neurite outgrowth in NGH-differentiated PC12 cells. Neurosci. 134: 206-214, 2005.[PDF]

Wang, L., Pooler, A.M., Albrecht, M.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Dietary uridine-5'-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats. J. Molecular Neurosci 27:137-145, 2005. [PDF]

Cansev, M., Watkins, C.J., van der Beek, E.M., Wurtman, R.J. Oral Uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) increases brain CDP-choline levels in gerbils. Brain Research 1058:101-108, 2005. [PDF]

Richard J Wurtman, Ismail H Ulus, M.D., Ph.D. Mehmet Cansev, M.D., Ph.D. Carol J Watkins, M.S., Lei Wang, Ph.D.; George Marzloff. Synaptic Proteins and Phospholipids are Increased in Gerbil Brain by Administering Uridine Plus Docosahexaenoic Acid Orally. Brain Research 1088(1):83-92, 2006. [PDF]

Pooler, A.M., Xi, S.C., Wurtman, R.J. The 3-hydrox-3-methyglutary co-enzyme A reductase inhibitor pravastatin enhances neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons. J. Neurochem. 97:716-723, 2006. [PDF]

Ulus, I.H., Watkins, C.J., Cansev, M., Wurtman, R.J. Cytidine and uridine increase striatal CDP-choline levels without decreasing acetylcholine synthesis or release. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Vol 26, Nos. 4-6:563-577, 2006. [PDF]

Teather, L.A., Wurtman, R.J. Platelet-activating factor affects nociception in rats at cerebral sites of action. Molecular Pain submitted, 2008. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Cansev, M., Ulus, I.H. Choline and its products acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine. Handbook of Neurochemistry, Vol. 8, Chpt. 3.2, pp._____, 2008. [PDF]

Wang, L., Albrecht, M.A., Wurtman, R.J. Dietary supplementation with uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP), a membrane phosphatide precursor, increases acetylcholine level and release in striatum of aged rat. Brain Research 1133:42-48, 2007. [PDF]

Cansev, M., Wurtman, R.J. Chronic administration of docosahexaenoic acid or eicosapentaenoic acid, but not arachidonic acid, alone or in combination with uridine increases brain phosphatide and synaptic proteins levels in gerbils. Neuroscience, 148:421-431, 2007. [PDF]

Sakamoto, T., Cansev, M., Wurtman, R.J. Oral supplementation with docosahexanoic acid and uridine 5'-monophosphate increases dendritic spine density in adult gerbil hippocampus. Brain Research, 1182:50-59, 2007. [PDF]

Teather LA, Wurtman RJ. Chronic administration of UMP ameliorates the impairment of hippocampal-dependent memory in impoverished rats. J. Nutr.136:2834-2837, 2006. [PDF]

Holguin, S., Martinez, J., Chow, C., Wurtman, R. Dietary uridine enhances the improvement in learning and memory produced by administering DHA plus choline to gerbils. FASEB fj.08-112425, published online July 7, 2008. [PDF]

Holguin, S., Huang, Y., Liu, J., Wurtman, R. Chronic administration of DHA and UMP improves the impaired memory of environmentally impoverished rats. Behavioural Brain Research, 191:11-16, 2008. [PDF]

go to top of page

Clinical

Zacharias, L., and Wurtman, R.J. Blindness: Its relation to age of menarche. Science, 144(3622):1154-1155, 1964.[PDF]

Zacharias, L., and Wurtman, R.J. Age at menarche: Genetic and environmental influences. New Eng. J. Med., 280:868-875, 1969.[PDF]

Zacharias, L., and Wurtman, R.J. Blindness and menarche. Obstet. Gynecol., 33(5):603-608, 1969.[PDF]

Zacharias, L., Wurtman, R.J., and Schatzoff, M. Sexual maturation in contemporary American girls. Amer. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 108(5):833-846, 1970.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Zervas, N.T. Monoamine neurotransmitters and the pathophysiology of stroke and central nervous system trauma. J. Neurosurgery, 40(1):34-36, 1974.[PDF]

Zervas, N.T., Hori, H., Negora, M., Wurtman, R.J., Larin, F., and Lavyne, M.H. Reduction in brain dopamine following experimental cerebral ischemia. Nature, 247(5439):283-284, 1974.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Fernstrom, M.D. Control of brain monoamine synthesis by diet and plasma amino acids. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 28:638-647, 1975.[PDF]

Lynch, H.J., Wurtman, R.J., Moskowitz, M.A., Archer, M.C., and Ho, M.H. Daily rhythm in human urinary melatonin. Science, 187:169-171, 1975.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Pineal organ. In: Pediatrics. (A.M. Rudolph, ed.) Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, pp.1693-1694, 1977.[PDF]

Growdon, J.H., Gelenberg, A.J., Doller, J., Hirsch, M.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Lecithin can suppress tardive dyskinesia. New Eng. J. Med., 298:1029-1030, 1978.[PDF]

Zeisel, S.H., Epstein, M.F., and Wurtman, R.J. Elevated choline concentration in neonatal plasma. Life Sci., 26:1827-1831, 1980.[PDF]

Gelenberg, A.J., Wojcik, J.D., Growdon, J.H., Sved, A.F., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine for the treatment of depression. Am. J. Psychiatry, 137(5):622-623, 1980. [PDF]

Spindel, E.R., Wurtman, R.J., and Bird, E.D. Increased TRH content of the basal ganglia in Huntington's disease. New Eng. J. Med., 303:1235-1236, 1980. [PDF]

McCall, A.L., Millington, W.R., and Wurtman, R.J. Blood-brain barrier transport of caffeine: Dose-related restriction of adenine transport. Life Sci., 31:2079-2715, 1982.[PDF]

Growdon, J.H., Melamed, E., Logue, M., Hefti, F., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of oral L-tyrosine administration on CSF tyrosine and homovanillic acid levels in patients with Parkinson's disease. Life Sci., 30:827-832, 1982.[PDF]

Martin-Du-Pan, R., Mauron, C., Glaeser, B., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of various oral glucose doses on plasma neutral amino acid levels. Metabolism, 31(9):937-943, 1982.[PDF]

McCall, A.L., Millington, W.R., and Wurtman, R.J. Metabolic fuel and amino acid transport into the brain in experimental diabetes mellitus. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 79:5406-5410, 1982.[PDF]

von Borstel, R.W., Wurtman, R.J., and Conlay, L.A. Chronic caffeine consumption potentiates the hypotensive action of circulating adenosine. Life Sci., 32:1151-1158, 1983. [PDF]

Glaeser, B.S., Maher, T.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Changes in brain levels of acidic, basic, and neutral amino acids after consumption of single meals containing proportions of protein. J. Neurochem., 41(4):1016-1021, 1983.[PDF]

Spindel, E.R., Wurtman, R.J., McCall, A., Carr, D.B., Conlay, L., Griffith, L., and Arnold, M.A. Neuroendocrine effects of caffeine in normal subjects. Clin. Pharm. Therap., 36(3):402-407, 1984.[PDF]

Lieberman, H.R., Waldhauser, F., Garfield, G., Lynch, H.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of melatonin on human mood and performance. Brain Res., 323:201-207, 1984.[PDF]

von Borstel, R.W., Renshaw, A.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Adenosine strongly potentiates pressor responses to nicotine in rats. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 81:5599-5603, 1984.[PDF]

Maher, T.J., Glaeser, B., and Wurtman, R.J. Diurnal variations in plasma concentrations of basic and neutral amino acids and in red cell concentrations of aspartate and glutamate: effects of dietary protein intake. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 39:722-729, 1984. [PDF]

Heraief, E., Burckhardt, P., Wurtman, J.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Tryptophan administration may enhance weight loss by some moderately obese patients on a protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet. Int. J. Eating Disorders, 4:281-292, 1985.[PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., Wurtman, R.J., Mark, S., Tsay, R., Gilbert, W., Growdon, J. D-fenfluramine selectively suppresses carbohydrate snacking by obese subjects. Int. J. Eating Disorders, 4(1):89-99, 1985.[PDF]

Lieberman, H.R., Corkin, S., Spring, B.J., Wurtman, R.J., and Growdon, J.H. The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior. Am. J. Clin. Nutri., 42:366-370, 1985. [PDF]

Evoniuk, G.E., von Borstel, R.W., and Wurtman, R.J. Adenosine affects sympathetic neurotransmission at multiple sites in vivo. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 236(2):350-355, 1986. [PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Wurtman, R.J., Blusztajn, J.K., Lopez G.-Coviella, I., Maher, T.J., and Evoniuk, G.E. Decreased plasma choline concentrations in marathon runners. New Eng. J. Med., 315:892, 1986. [PDF]

Lieberman, H.R., Wurtman, R.J., Emde, G.G., and Coviella, I.L.G. The effects of caffeine and aspirin onmood and performance. J. Clin. Psychopharm., 75(5):315-320, 1987.[PDF]

Evoniuk, G., Jacobson, K.A., Shamim, M.T., Daly, J.W., and Wurtman, R.J. A1 and A2-selective adenosine antagonists: In Vivo characterization of cardiovascular effects. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 242(3):882-887, 1987. [PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Evoniuk, G., and Wurtman, R.J. Endogenous adenosine and hemorrhagic shock: Effects of caffeine administration or caffeine withdrawal. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 85:4483-4485, 1988. [PDF]

Caballero, B., Finer, N., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma amino acids and insulin levels in obesity: Response to carbohydrate intake and tryptophan supplements. Metabolism, 37(7):672-676, 1988.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Caballero, B., and Salzman, E. Facilitation of levodopa-induced dyskinesias by dietary carbohydrates. New Eng. J. Med., 319:1288-1289, 1988.[PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., Brzezinski, A., Wurtman, R.J., and Laferrere, B. Effect of nutrient intake on premenstrual depression. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 161(5):1228-1234, 1989.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Wurtman, J.J. Carbohydrates and depression. Sci. Am., 260(1):68-75, 1989.[PDF]

Brzezinski, A.A., Wurtman, J.J., Wurtman, R.J., Gleason, R., Greenfield, J., and Nader, T. d-fenfluramine suppresses the increased calorie and carbohydrate intakes and improves the mood of women with premenstrual depression. Obstet. & Gynecol., 76(2):296-391, 1990. [PDF]

Growdon, J.H., Nader, T.M., Schoenfeld, J., and Wurtman, R.J. L-threonine in the treatment of spasticity. Clin. Neuropharm., 14(5):403-412, 1991.[PDF]

Spring, B., Wurtman, J., Gleason, R., Kessler, K., and Wurtman, R.J. Weight gain and withdrawal symptoms after smoking cessation: A preventive intervention using d-fenfluramine. Health Psychol., 10(3):216-223, 1991.[PDF]

Caballero, B., Gleason, R.E., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma amino acid concentrations in healthy elderly men and women. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 53:1249-1252, 1991.[PDF]

Berry, E.M., Growdon, J.H., Wurtman, J.J., Caballero, B., and Wurtman, R.J. A balanced carbohydrate: Protein diet in the management of Parkinson's disease. Neurology, 41:1295-1297, 1991.[PDF]

Caballero, B., and Wurtman, R.J. Differential effects of insulin resistance on leucine and glucose kinetics in obesity. Metabolism, 40(1):51-58, 1991. [PDF]

Nitsch, R.M., Blusztajn, J.K., Pittas, A.G., Slack, B.E., Growdon, J.H., Wurtman, R.J. Evidence for a membrane defect in Alzheimer disease brain. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 89:1671-1675, 1992.[PDF]

Kaakkola, S., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of COMT inhibitors on striatal dopamine metabolism: A microdialysis study. Brain Res., 597:241-249, 1992.[PDF]

Dollins, A.B., Lynch, H.J., Wurtman, R.J., Deng, M.H., and Lieberman, H.R. Effects of illumination on human nocturnal serum melatonin levels and performance. Physiol. & Beh., 53:153-160, 1993. [PDF]

Dollins, A.B., Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., Lynch, H.J., and Deng, M.H. Effect of inducing nocturnal serum melatonin concentrations in daytime on sleep, mood, body temperature, and performance. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 91:1824-1828, 1994.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., Lynch, H.J., Ives, J.R., Dollins, A.B., Morabito, C., Matheson, J.K., and Schomer, D.L. Sleep-inducing effects of low doses of melatonin ingested in the evening. Clin. Pharm. Therap., 57(5):552-558, 1995.[PDF]

Sayegh, R., Schiff, I., Wurtman, J., Spiers, P., McDermott, J., and Wurtman, R.J. The effect of a carbohydrate-rich beverage on mood, appetite, and cognitive function in women with premenstrual syndrome. Obstet. Gynecol., 86(4)520-528, 1995.[PDF]

Spring, B., Wurtman, J., Wurtman, R., El-Khoury, A., Goldberg, McDermott, J., and Pingitore, R. Efficacies of dexfenfluramine and fluoxetine in preventing weight gain after smoking cessation. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 62:1181-1187, 1995.[PDF]

Spiers, P.A., Myers, D., Hochanadel, G.S., Lieberman, H.R., and Wurtman, R.J. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch. Neurol., 53:441-448, 1996.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., Morabito, C., Piotrovska, V.R., and Lynch, H.J. Effects of low oral doses of melatonin, given 2-4 hours before habitual bedtime, on sleep in normal young humans. Sleep, 19(5):423-431, 1996.[PDF]

Spedding, M., Ouvry, C., Millan, M., Duhault, J., Dacquet, C., and Wurtman, R.J. Neural control of dieting. Nature, 380:488, 1996. [PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Conant, J.A., deBros, F., and Wurtman, R.J. Caffeine alters plasma adenosine levels. Nature, 389:136, 1997. [PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., and Wurtman, R.J. Efficacy of melatonin as a sleep-promoting agent. J. Biol. Rhythms, 12(6):644-650, 1997.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I., Wurtman, R.J., Balcioglu, A., Kartashov, A.I., and Lynch, H.J. Edogenous melatonin levels and the fate of exogenous melatonin: Age effects. J. Gerontology, 53A(4):B293-B298, 1998.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., and Wagstaff, J. Effects of a low dose of melatonin on sleep in children with Angelman syndrome. J. Ped. Endocrin. Metab., 12:57-67, 1999.[PDF]

Maher, T.J., Ulus, I.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Phentermine and other monoamine-oxidase inhibitors may increase plasma serotonin when given with fenfluramines. The Lancet, 353(9146):38, 1999.[PDF]

Ulus, I.H., Maher, T.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Characterization of phentermine and related compounds as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Biochem. Pharm., 59:1611-1621, 2000.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Regan, M., Ulus, I., and Yu, L. Effect of oral CDP-choline on plasma choline and uridine levels in humans. Biochem. Pharm., 60:989-992, 2000.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., Regan, M.M., Taylor, J.A., Shi, J.P., and LeClair, O.U. Melatonin treatment for age-related insomnia. J. Clin. Endocrin. Metab., 86(10):4727-4730, 2001.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Genes, stress, and depression. Metabolism 54(1):16-19, 2005.[PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., McDermott, J.M., LEvendusky, P., Duca, K., and Wurtman, R.J. The effect of a novel dietary intervention on weight loss in psychotropic drug-induced obesity. Psychopharm. Bull. 36(3):55-59, 2002. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Narcolepsy and the hypocretins. Metabolism:Clinical and Expermental 55(Suppl 2):S36-S39, 2006. [PDF]

go to top of page

Dopa/Dopamine/Norepinephrine/Epinephrine

Wurtman, R.J., Kopin, I.J., Axelrod, J. Thyroid function and the cardiac disposition of catecholamines. Endocrin., 73:63-74, 1963.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Kopin, I.J., Horst, D., and Fischer, J.E. Epinephrine and organ blood flow: Effects of hyperthyroidism, cocaine, and denervation. Amer. J. Physiol., 207(6):1247-1250, 1964.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Medical Progress: Catecholamines. New Eng. J. Med., 273:637-646; 693-700, 746-753, 1965.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. Adrenaline synthesis: Control by the pituitary gland and adrenal glucocorticoids. Science, 150(3702):1464-1465, 1965.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. Control of Enzymatic synthesis of adrenaline in the adrenal medulla by adrenal cortical steroids. J. Biol. Chem., 241(10): 2301-2305, 1966.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Catecholamines. Little Brown & Co., Boston, 1966.

Wurtman, R.J. Control of epinephrine synthesis in the adrenal medulla by the adrenal cortex: Hormonal specificity and dose-response characteristics. Endocrin., 79:608-614, 1966.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Noble, E.P., and Axelrod, R.J. Inhibition of enzymatic synthesis of epinephrine by low doses of glucocorticoids. Endocrin., 80:825-828, 1967.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, A., and Tramezzani, J. Distribution of the adrenaline-forming enzyme in the adrenal gland of a snake, Xenodon merremii. Nature, 215(5103):879-880, 1967.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., Vesell, E.S., and Ross, G.T. Species differences in inducibility of phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase. Endocrin., 82(3): 584-590, 1968.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Casper, A., Pohorecky, L.A., and Bartter, F.C. Impaired secretion of epinephrine in response to insulin among hypophysectomized dogs. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 61:522-528, 1968.[PDF]

Pohorecky, L.A., Zigmond, M., Karten, H., and Wurtman, R.J. Enzymatic conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine by the brain. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 165(2):190-195, 1969.[PDF]

Pohorecky, L.A., Piezzi, R.S., and Wurtman, R.J. Steroid induction of phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase in adrenomedullary explants: Independence of adrenal innvervation. Endocrin., 86(6):1466-1468, 1970.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Chou, C., and Rose, C. The fate of C¹⁴-dihydroxyphenylalanine (C¹⁴-Dopa) in the whole mouse. J. Pharm. Exp. Therp., 174(3):351-356, 1970.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Rose, C.M., Matthysse, S., Stephenson, J., and Baldessarini, R. L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine: Effect on S-adenosylmethionine in brain. Science, 169:395-397, 1970.[PDF]

Pohorecky, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Adrenocortical control of epinephrine synthesis. Pharmacol. Rev., 23(1):1-35, 1971. [PDF]

Chalmers, J.P., Baldessarini, J., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of L-dopa on norepinephrine metabolism in the brain. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 68(3):662-666, 1971.[PDF]

Shoemaker, W.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Perinatal undernutrition: Accumulation of catecholamines in rat brain. Science, 171:1017-1019, 1971.[PDF]

Weiss, B.F., Munro, H.M., and Wurtman, R.J. L-dopa: Disaggregation of brain polysomes and elevation of brain tryptophan. Science, 173:833-835, 1971.[PDF]

Hoeldtke, R., Baliga, B.S., Issenberg, P., and Wurtman, R.J. Dihydroxyphenylalanine in rat food containing wheat and oats. Science, 175:761-762, 1972.[PDF]

Weiss, B.F., Munro, H.N., Ordonez, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Dopamine: Mediator of brain polysome disaggregation after L-Dopa. Science, 177:613-616, 1972. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Pohorecky, L.A., and Baliga, B.S. Adrenocortical control of the biosynthesis of epinephrine and proteins in the adrenal medulla. Pharmacol. Rev., 24(2):411-426, 1972.[PDF]

Yehuda, S., and Wurtman, R.J. Release of brain dopamine as the probable mechanism for the hypothermic effect of D-amphetamine. Nature, 240(5382):477-478, 1972.[PDF]

Ordonez, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Methylation of exogenous 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa)-effects on methyl group metabolism. Biochem. Pharmacol., 191:134-137, 1973.[PDF]

Baliga, B.S., Pohorecky, L.A., Munro, H.N., and Wurtman, R.J. Control of adrenal medullary protein synthesis by corticosteroids. Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 299:337-343, 1973.[PDF]

Munro, H.N., Roel, L., and Wurtman, R.J. Inhibition of brain protein synthesis by doses of L-dopa that disaggregate brain polyribosomes. J. Neur. Trans., 34:321-323, 1973.[PDF]

Hoeldtke, R.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Synthesis of DOPA in rat stomach following ingestion of cereals. Metabolism, 23(1):25-31, 1974.[PDF]

Ordonez, L.A., Arbrus, M., Boyson, S., Goodman, M.N., Ruderman, N.B., and Wurtman, R.J. Skeletal muscle: Reservoir for exogenous L-dopa. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 190(1):187-191, 1974.[PDF]

Hoeldtke, R.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Cereal Ingestion and catecholamine excretion. Metabolism, 23(1):33-41, 1974.[PDF]

Hoeldtke, R., Rogawski, M., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of selective destruction of central and peripheral catecholamine-containing neurons with 6-hydroxydopamine on catecholamine excretion in the rat. Br. J. Pharmac., 50:265-270, 1974.[PDF]

Ordonez, L.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Folic acid deficiency and methyl group metabolism in rat brain: Effects of L-dopa. Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 160:372-376, 1974.[PDF]

Chiel, H., Yehuda, S., and Wurtman, R.J. Development of tolerance in rats to the hypothermic effects of d-amphetamine and apomorphine. Life Sci., 14:483-488, 1974. [PDF]

Roel, L.E., Schwartz, S.A., Weiss, B.F., Munro, H.N., and Wurtman, R.J. In vivo inhibition of rat brain protein synthesis by L-dopa. J. Neurochem., 23:233-239, 1974.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Larin, F., Mostafapour, S., and Fernstrom, J.D. Brain catechol synthesis: Control by brain tyrosine concentration. Science, 185:183-184, 1974.[PDF]

Moskowitz, M.A., Weiss, B.F., Lytle, L.D., Munro, H.N., and Wurtman, R.J. d-amphetamine disaggregates brain polysomes via a dopaminergic mechanism. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 72(3):834-836, 1975.[PDF]

Scriabine, A., Ludden, C.T., Stone, C.A., Wurtman, R.J., and Watkins, C.J. Enhancement of the anti-hypertensive effect of methyldopa and other anti-hypertensive drugs by carbidopa in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clin. Sci. and Molec. Med., 51:407s-410s, 1976.[PDF]

Gibson, C.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Physiological control of brain catechol synthesis by brain tyrosine concentration. Biochem. Pharm., 26:1137-1142, 1977.[PDF]

Zavisca, F.G., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of neutral amino acids on the antihypertensive action of methyldopa in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 30:60-62, 1978.[PDF]

Watkins, C.J., Wiggins, J.F., and Wurtman, R.J. Carbidopa elevates hypothalamic dopa and serum prolactin in rats. Life Sci. 24:1675-1682, 1979.[PDF]

Sved, A.F., Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine administration reduces blood pressure and enhances brain norepinephrine release in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 76(7):3511-3514, 1979.[PDF]

Zavisca, F.G., Breau, A.P., and Wurtman, R.J. Mechanism of action of methyldopa in the rat. Circ. Res., 45(5):684-690, 1979. [PDF]

Sved, A.F., Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine administration decreases serum prolactin levels in chronically reserpinized rats. Life Sci., 25(15):1293-1299, 1979.[PDF]

Pettibone, D.J., and Wurtman, R.J. D-amphetamine reduces striatal substance P concentrations by presynaptic release of dopamine. Brain Res., 186:409-419, 1980.[PDF]

Hefti, F., Melamed, E., and Wurtman, R.J. Partial lesions of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system in rat brain: Biochemical characterization. Brain Res., 195:123-137, 1980.[PDF]

Melamed, E., Hefti, F., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine administration increases striatal dopamine release in rats with partial nigrostriatal lesions. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 77(7):4305-4309, 1980.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Hefti, F., and Melamed, E. Precursor control of neurotransmitter synthesis. Pharmacological Reviews, 32(4):315-335, 1980.[PDF]

Agharanya, J.C., Alonso, R., and Wurtman, R.J. Changes in catecholamine excretion after short-term tyrosine ingestion in normally fed human subjects. Amer. J. Clin. Nutr., 34:82-87, 1981. [PDF]

Hefti, F., Melamed, E., and Wurtman, R.J. The site of dopamine formation in rat striatum after L-Dopa administration. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 217(1):189-197, 1981.[PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Maher, T.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine increases blood pressure in hypotensive rats. Science, 212:559-560, 1981.[PDF]

Agharanya, J.C., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of acute administration of neutral and other amino acids on urinary excretion of catecholamines. Life Sci., 30:739-746, 1982. [PDF]

Agharanya, J.C., and Wurtman, R.J. Studies on the mechanism by which tyrosine raises urinary catecholamines. Biochem. Pharm., 31(22):3577-3580, 1982.[PDF]

Alonso, R., Gibson, C., Wurtman, R.J., Agharanya, J.C., and Prieto, L. Elevation of urinary catecholamines and their metabolites following tyrosine administration in humans. Biol. Psych., 17(7):781-790, 1982.[PDF]

Oishi, T., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of tyrosine on brain catecholamine turnover in reserpine-treated rats. J. Neural Trans., 53:101-108, 1982.[PDF]

Gibson, C.J., Watkins, C.J., and Wurtman, R.J. The effects of tyrosine and other nutrients on neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain and retina. Retina, 2(4):332-340, 1982.[PDF]

Gibson, C.J., Watkins, C.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine administration enhances dopamine synthesis and release in light-activated rat retina. J. Neural Trans., 56:153-160, 1983.[PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Maher, T.J., Moses, P.L., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine's vasoactive effect in the dog shock model depends on the animal's starting blood pressure. J. Neural Trans., 58:69-74, 1983.[PDF]

Reinstein, D.K., Lehnert, H., Scott, N.A., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine prevents behavioral and neurochemical correlates of an acute stress in rats. Life Sci., 34:2225-2232, 1984.[PDF]

Milner, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Release of endogenous dopamine from electrically stimulated slices of rat striatum. Brain Res., 301:139-142, 1984.[PDF]

Lehnert, H., Reinstein, D.K., Strowbridge, B.W., and Wurtman, R.J. Neurochemical and behavioral consequences of acute, uncontrollable stress: Effects of dietary tyrosine. Brain Res., 303:215-223, 1984.[PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Maher, T.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine's pressor effect in hypotensive rats is not mediated by tyramine. Life Sci., 35(11):1207-1212, 1984.[PDF]

Conlay, L.A., Maher, T.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine accelerates catecholamine synthesis in hemorrhaged hypotensive rats. Brain Res., 333:81-84, 1985.[PDF]

Milner, J.D., Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine availability determines stimulus-evoked dopamine release from rat striatal slices. Neurosci. Letters, 59:215-220, 1985.[PDF]

Reinstein, D.K., Lehnert, H., and Wurtman, R.J. Dietary tyrosine suppresses the rise in plasma corticosterone following acute stress in rats. Life Sci., 37:2157-2163, 1985.[PDF]

During, M.J., Acworth, I.N., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of systemic L-tyrosine on dopamine release from rat corpus striatum and nucleus accumbens. Brain Res., 452:378-380, 1988. [PDF]

During, M.J., Acworth, I.N., and Wurtman, R.J. Phenylalanine administration influences dopamine release in the rat's corpus striatum. Neurosci. Lett., 93:91-95, 1988. [PDF]

Godley, B.F., and Wurtman, R.J. Release of endogenous dopamine from the superfused rabbit retina in vitro: Effect of light stimulation. Brain Res., 452:393-395, 1988.[PDF]

Acworth, I.N., During, M.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Tyrosine: Effects on catecholamine release. Brain Res. Bull., 21:473-477, 1988. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Caballero, B., and Salzman, E. Facilitation of levodopa-induced dyskinesias by dietary carbohydrates. New Eng. J. Med., 319:1288-1289, 1988.[PDF]

Berry, E.M., Growdon, J.H., Wurtman, J.J., Caballero, B., and Wurtman, R.J. A balanced carbohydrate: Protein diet in the management of Parkinson's disease. Neurology, 41:1295-1297, 1991.[PDF]

Kaakkola, S., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of COMT inhibitors on striatal dopamine metabolism: A microdialysis study. Brain Res., 597:241-249, 1992.[PDF]

Kaakkola, S., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine with or without carbidopa on extracellular dopamine in rat striatum. J. Neurochem., 60(1):137-144, 1993.[PDF]

Dollins, A.B., Krock, L.P., Storm, W.F., Wurtman, R.J., and Lieberman, H.R. L-tyrosine ameliorates some effects of lower body negative pressure stress. Physiol. Behav., 57(2):223-230, 1995. [PDF]

Cansev, M., Ulus, I.H., Wang, L., Maher, T.J., Wurtman, R.J. Protective effects of uridine plus docasahexaenoic acid in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Movement disorders, in press, 2007. [PDF]

go to top of page

Endocrinology

Wurtman, R.J. An effect of luteinizing hormone on the fractional perfusion of the rat ovary. Endocrin., 75(6):927-933, 1964.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Stress and the adrenocortical control of epinephrine synthesis. Metabolism 51(6, Suppl 1):11-14,2002. [PDF]

go to top of page

Feeding & Obesity

Wurtman, J.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Fenfluramine and fluoxetine spare protein consumption while suppressing caloric intake by rats. Science, 198:1178-1180, 1977. [PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Drugs that enhance central serotoninergic transmission diminish elective carbohydrate consumption by rats. Life Sci., 24:895-904, 1979. [PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., Moses, P.L., and Wurtman, R.J. Prior carbohydrate consumption affects the amount of carbohydrate that rats choose to eat. J. Nutr., 113:70-78, 1983.[PDF]

Moses, P.L., and Wurtman, R.J. The ability of certain anorexic drugs to suppress food consumption depends on the nutrient composition of the test diet. Life Sci., 35:1297-1300, 1984.[PDF]

Caballero, B., Finer, N., and Wurtman, R.J. Plasma amino acids and insulin levels in obesity: Response to carbohydrate intake and tryptophan supplements. Metabolism, 37(7):672-676, 1988.[PDF]

Caballero, B., and Wurtman, R.J. Differential effects of insulin resistance on leucine and glucose kinetics in obesity. Metabolism, 40(1):51-58, 1991. [PDF]

Spedding, M., Ouvry, C., Millan, M., Duhault, J., Dacquet, C., and Wurtman, R.J. Neural control of dieting. Nature, 380:488, 1996.[PDF]

Arjona, A.A., Zhang, S.X., Adamson, B., and Wurtman, R.J. An animal model of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Behav. Brain Res., 152:121-127, 2004.[PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., McDermott, J.M., Levendusky, P., Duca, K., and Wurtman, R.J. The effect of a novel dietary intervention on weight loss in psychotropic drug-induced obesity. Psychopharm. Bull. 36(3):55-59, 2002. [PDF]

go to top of page

Light

Wurtman, R.J., and Neer, R.M. Editorial: Good light and bad. New Eng. J. Med., 282:394-395, 1970.[PDF]

Neer, R.M., Davis, T.R.A., Walcott, A., Koski, S., Schepis, P., Taylor, I., Thorington, L., and Wurtman, R.J. Stimulation by artificial lighting of calcium absorption in elderly human subjects. Nature, 229:255-257, 1971.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. The effects of light on the human body. Sci. Am., 233(1):69-77, 1975.[PDF]

go to top of page

Medical History

Wurtman, R.J., and Bettiker, R.L. The slowing of treatment discover, 1965-1995. Nature Med., 1(11):1122-1125, 1995.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. What went right: Why is HIV a treatable infection? Nature Med., 3(7):714-717, 1997.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Curbside Consultation: Tossed in Translation. Harvard Medical Alumni BulletinSummer 2005.[PDF]

go to top of page

Melatonin

Wurtman, R.J., Altschule, M.D., and Holmgren, U. Effects of pinealectomy and of a bovine pineal extract in rats. Amer. J. Physiol., 197(1):108-110, 1959.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Roth, W., Altschule, M.D., and Wurtman, J.J. Interactions of the pineal and exposure to continuous light on organ weights of female rats. Acta Endocrinologica, 36:617-624, 1961.[PDF]

Roth, W.D., Wurtman, R.J., and Altschule, M.D. Morphologic changes in the pineal parenchyma cells of rats exposed to continuous light or darkness. Endocrin., 71(6):888-892, 1962.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., and Chu, E.W. Melatonin, a pineal substance: Effect on the rat ovary. Science, 141(3577):277-278, 1963.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., and Phillips, L.S. Melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland: Control by light. Science, 142(3595):1071-1073, 1963.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., and Potter, L.T. The uptake of H³-melatonin in endocrine and nervous tissues and the effects of constant light exposure. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 143(3):314-318, 1964.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., and Fischer, J.E. Melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland: Effect of light mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Science, 143(3612):1328-1330, 1964. [PDF]

Axelrod, J., and Wurtman, R.J. Melatonin synthesis in the hen pineal gland and its control by light. Nature, 201(4924):1134, 1964.[PDF]

Chu, E.W., Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. An inhibitory effect of melatonin on the estrous phase of the estrous cycle of the rodent. Endocrin., 75(2):238-242, 1964.[PDF]

Axelrod, J., Wurtman, R.J., and Snyder, S.H. Control of hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activity in the rat pineal gland by environmental lighting. J. Biol. Chem., 240:949-954, 1965.[PDF]

Snyder, S.H., Axelrod, J., Wurtman, R.J., and Fischer, J.E. Control of 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase activity in the rat pineal gland by sympathetic nerves. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 147(3):371-375, 1965.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. The pineal Gland. Sci. Amer., 213(1):50-60, 1965.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. Effect of chlorpromazine and other drugs on the disposition of circulating melatonin. Nature, 212(5059):312, 1966.[PDF]

Shein, H.M., Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. Synthesis of serotonin by pineal glands of the rat in organ culture. Nature, 213(5077):730-731, 1967.[PDF]

Moore, R.Y., Heller, A., Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. Visual pathway mediating pineal response to environmental light. Science, 155(3759):220-223, 1967.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., Sedvall, G., and dick/www, R.Y. Photic and neural control of the 24-hour norepinephrine rhythm in the rat pineal gland. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 157(3):487-492, 1967.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., and Anton-Tay, F. Inhibition of the metabolism of H³-melatonin by phenothiazines. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 161(2):367-372, 1968.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Axelrod, J., and Kelly, D.E. The Pineal, Academic Press, New York, 1968. Anton-Tay, F., Chou, C., Anton, S., and Wurtman, R.J. Brain serotonin concentration: Elevation following intraperitoneal administration of melatonin. Science, 162:277-278, 1968.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Anton-Tay, F. The mammalian pineal as a neuroendocrine transducer. Recent Progr. Hormone Res., 25:493-522, 1969.[PDF]

Anton-Tay, F., Wurtman, R.J. Regional uptake of ³H-melatonin from blood or cerebrospinal fluid by rat brain. Nature, 221(5179):474-475, 1969.[PDF]

Axelrod, J., Shein, H.M., and Wurtman, R.J. Stimulation of C¹⁴-melatonin synthesis from C¹⁴-tryptophan by noradrenaline in rat pineal in organ culture. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 62:544-549, 1969.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Shein, H.M., Axelrod, J., and Larin, F. Incorporation of ¹⁴C-tryptophan into ¹⁴C-protein by cultured rat pineals: Stimulation by i-norepinephrine. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 62(3):749-755, 1969.[PDF]

Shein, H.M., and Wurtman, R.J. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate: Stimulation of melatonin and serotonin synthesis in cultured rat pineals. Science, 166:519-520, 1969.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Shein, H.M., and Larin, F. Mediation by ß-adrenergic receptors of effects of norepinephrine on pineal synthesis of [¹⁴C]serotonin and [¹⁴C]melatonin. J. Neurochem., 18:1683-1687, 1971.[PDF]

Shein, H.M., and Wurtman, R.J. Stimulation of [¹⁴C]tryptophan 5-hydroxylation by norepinephrine and dibutyryl adenosine 3', 5', monophosphate in rat pineal organ cultures. Life Sci., 10(1):935-940, 1971.[PDF]

Cardinali, D.P., Larin, F., and Wurtman, R.J. Control of the rat pineal gland by light spectra. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 69(8):2003-2005, 1972. [PDF]

Cardinali, D.P., Larin, F., and Wurtman, R.J. Action spectra for effects of light on hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferases in rat pineal, retina and harderian gland. Endocrin., 91(4):877-886, 1972. [PDF]

Lynch, H.J., Wang, P., and Wurtman, R.J. Increase in rat pineal melatonin content following L-dopa administration. Life Sci., 12(4):145-151, 1973.[PDF]

Lynch, H.J., Eng, J.P., and Wurtman, R.J. Control of pineal indole biosynthesis by changes in sympathetic tone caused by factors other than environmental lighting. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 70(6):1704-1707, 1973.[PDF]

Lynch, H.J., Wurtman, R.J., Moskowitz, M.A., Archer, M.C., and Ho, M.H. Daily rhythm in human urinary melatonin. Science, 187:169-171, 1975.[PDF]

Jimerson, D.C., Lynch, H.J., Post, R.M., Wurtman, R.J., and Bunney, Jr., W.E. Urinary melatonin rhythms during sleep deprivation in depressed patients and normals. Life Sci., 20:1501-1508, 1977.[PDF]

Waldhauser, F., Waldhauser, M., Liberian, H.R., Deng, M.H., Lynch, H.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Bioavailability of oral melatonin in humans. Neuroendocrin., 39:307-313, 1984.[PDF]

Waldhauser, F.W., Weizenbacher, G., Frisch, H., Zeitlhuber, U., Waldhauser, M., and Wurtman, R.J. Fall in nocturnal serum melatonin during prepuberty and pubescence. The Lancet, February, 362-365, 1984.[PDF]

Lieberman, H.R., Waldhauser, F., Garfield, G., Lynch, H.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Effects of melatonin on human mood and performance. Brain Res., 323:201-207, 1984.[PDF]

Brzezinski, A., Seibel, M.M., Lynch, H.J., Deng, M.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Melatonin in human preovulatory follicular fluid. J. Clin. Endocrin. Metab., 64(4):865-867, 1987. [PDF]

Brzezinski, A., Lynch, H.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Possible contribution of melatonin to the timing of the luteinizing hormone surge. New Eng. J. Med., 316:1550-1551, 1987. [PDF]

Brzezinski, A., and Wurtman, R.J. The pineal gland: Its possible roles in human reproduction. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 43(4):197-207, 1988.[PDF]

Brzezinski, A., Lynch, H.J., Seibel, M.M., Deng, M.H., Nader, T.M., and Wurtman, R.J. The circadian rhythm of plasma melatonin during the normal menstrual cycle and in amenorrheic women. J. Clin. Endocrin. Metab., 66(5):891-895, 1988.[PDF]

O'Rourke, D., Wurtman, J.J., Wurtman, R.J., Chebli, R., and Gleason, R. Treatment of seasonal depression with d-fenfluramine. J. Clin. Psychiatry, 50(9):343-347, 1989.[PDF]

Dollins, A.B., Lynch, H.J., Wurtman, R.J., Deng, M.H., and Lieberman, H.R. Effects of illumination on human nocturnal serum melatonin levels and performance. Physiol. & Beh., 53:153-160, 1993. [PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., and Wurtman, R.J. Efficacy of melatonin as a sleep-promoting agent. J. Biol. Rhythms, 12(6):644-650, 1997.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I., Wurtman, R.J., Balcioglu, A., Kartashov, A.I., and Lynch, H.J. Edogenous melatonin levels and the fate of exogenous melatonin: Age effects. J. Gerontology, 53A(4):B293-B298, 1998.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., and Wagstaff, J. Effects of a low dose of melatonin on sleep in children with Angelman syndrome. J. Ped. Endocrin. Metab., 12:57-67, 1999.[PDF]

Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., Regan, M.M., Taylor, J.A., Shi, J.P., and LeClair, O.U. Melatonin treatment for age-related insomnia. J. Clin. Endocrin. Metab., 86(10):4727-4730, 2001.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Melatonin. In: Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, 3rd edition [on CD ROM] (G. Adelman, B.H. Smith, eds.) Elsevier Science, 2004.[PDF]

Brzezinski, A., Ducherty, G., Zhdanova, I.V., Wurtman, R.J., and Ford, I. Effect of exogenous melatonin on sleep - a meta-analysis of 14 controlled clinical trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews 9:41-50, 2005.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Melatonin in: Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements (P. Coates, et al. eds), Marcel Dekker, Inc. (In Press, Galley Proof), 2005. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Ramelteon, a novel treatment for the treatment of insomnia. Expert Rev. Neurotherapeutics 6(7):957-964, 2006 [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J.n Ramelteon: A melatonin receptor agonist. Sleep Pharmacology:Basic Science and Clinical Applications in press, 2008 [PDF]

go to top of page

Serotonin

Wurtman, R.J., and Axelrod, J. A sensitive and specific assay for the estimation of monoamine oxidase. Biochem. Pharmacol., 12:1439-1440, 1963.[PDF]

Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Brain serotonin content: physiological dependence on plasma tryptophan levels. Science, 173:149-152, 1971. [PDF]

Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of chronic corn consumption on serotonin content of rat brain. Nature New Biol., 234(45):62-64, 1971.[PDF]

Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Brain serotonin content: Increase following ingestion of carbohydrate diet. Science, 174:1023-1025, 1971.[PDF]

Fernstrom, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Brain serotonin content: Physiological regulation by plasma neutral amino acids. Science, 178:414-416, 1972.[PDF]

Weiss, B.F., Wurtman, R.J., and Munro, H.N. Disaggregation of brain polysomes by L-5-hydroxytryptophan: Mediation by serotonin. Life Sci., 13:411-416, 1973.[PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Drugs that enhance central serotoninergic transmission diminish elective carbohydrate consumption by rats. Life Sci., 24:895-904, 1979. [PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., Hefti, F., and Melamed, E. Precursor control of neurotransmitter synthesis. Pharmacological Reviews, 32(4):315-335, 1980.[PDF]

Chiel, H.J., and Wurtman, R.J. Short-term variations in diet composition change the pattern of spontaneous motor activity in rats. Science, 213:676-678, 1981.[PDF]

Lieberman, H.R., Corkin, S., Spring, B.J., Growdon, J.H., and Wurtman, R.J. Mood, performance, and pain sensitivity: Changes induced by food constituents. J. Psychiat. Res., 17(2):135-145, 1982/1983.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J. Presynaptic control of release of amine neurotransmitters by precursor levels. NIPS (Am. Physiol. Soc.), 3:158-163, 1988.[PDF]

Wurtman, R.J., and Wurtman, J.J. Carbohydrates and depression. Sci. Am., 260(1):68-75, 1989.[PDF]

O'Rourke, D., Wurtman, J.J., Wurtman, R.J., Chebli, R., and Gleason, R. Treatment of seasonal depression with d-fenfluramine. J. Clin. Psychiatry, 50(9):343-347, 1989.[PDF]

Laferrere, B., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of D-fenfluramine on serotonin release in brains of anaesthetized rats. Brain Res., 504:258-263, 1989.[PDF]

Schaechter, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Tryptophan availability modulates serotonin release from rat hypothalamic slices. J. Neurochem., 53(6):1925-1933, 1989.[PDF]

Schaechter, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Effect of chronic D-fenfluramine administration on rat hypothalamic serotonin levels and release. Life Sci., 44:265-271, 1989.[PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., Brzezinski, A., Wurtman, R.J., and Laferrere, B. Effect of nutrient intake on premenstrual depression. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 161(5):1228-1234, 1989.[PDF]

Schaechter, J.D., and Wurtman, R.J. Serotonin release varies with brain tryptophan levels. Brain. Res., 532:203-210, 1990.[PDF]

O'Rourke, D.A., Wurtman, J.J., Wurtman, R.J., Tsay, R., Gleason, R., Baer, L., and Jenike, M.A. J. Clin. Psychiat., 55(10):445-447, 1994.[PDF]

Spedding, M., Ouvry, C., Millan, M., Duhault, J., Dacquet, C., and Wurtman, R.J. Neural control of dieting. Nature, 380:488, 1996.[PDF]

Wurtman, J.J., McDermott, J.M., Levendusky, P., Duca, K., and Wurtman, R.J. Psychopharm. Bulletin, 36(3):55-59, 2002.[PDF]

Amer, A., Breu, J., McDermott, J., Wurtman, R.J., Maher, T.J. 5-Hydroxytryptophan raises plasma 5-HTP levels in humans and rats and suppresses food intake by hypophagic and stressed rats. J. Pharm., Biochem. Behav., 77:137-143, 2004. [PDF]

go to top of page

[home] \| [projects] \| [publications] \| [Stellar- 9.15 Fall 2007]
Richard Wurtman, M.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Ave 46-5023 Cambridge, MA 02139 ph: (617) 253-6732 email: dick@mit.edu

Representative Publications