An increase in strength of tilt aftereffect associated with tryptophan depletion

The effects of a tryptophan-free amino acid mixture on tilt aftereffect, movement aftereffect, and the Mueller-Lyer illusion were studied. 12 male subjects ingested either a balanced amino acid mixture or a tryptophan-free mixture which causes a marked depletion of brain tryptophan and serotonin. The tryptophan-free mixture significantly increased the strength of tilt aftereffect but had no effect on movement aftereffect or the Mueller-Lyer illusion. These results were discussed with reference to the pharmacological activity of serotonin and its influence on the strength of lateral inhibition in mammalian brains.