Abstract
Certain neurotransmitters (i.e., acetylcholine, catecholamines, and serotonin) are
formed from dietary constituents (i.e., choline, tyrosine and tryptophan). Changing
the consumption of these precursors alters release of their respective neurotransmitter
products.
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released from the neuromuscular junction and
from brain. It is formed from choline, a common constituent in fish, liver, and eggs.
Choline is also incorporated into cell membranes; membranes may likewise serve as
an alternative choline source for acetylcholine synthesis.
In trained athletes, running a 26 km marathon reduced plasma choline by approximately
40%, from 14.1 to 8.4 uM. Changes of similar magnitude have been shown to reduce acetylcholine
release from the neuromuscular junction in vivo. Thus, the reductions in plasma choline associated with strenuous exercise may reduce
acetylcholine release, and could thereby affect endurance or performance.
Key words
Choline - exercise - acetylcholine - lecithin - running
