L-Dopa-induced release of cerebral monoamines

Science. 1970 Oct 2;170(3953):76-7. doi: 10.1126/science.170.3953.76.

Abstract

L-Dopa markedly increased the efflux of tritiated dopamine and tritiated serotonin from rat brain slices. This action appeared contingent on the decarboxylation of L-dopa to dopamine, since it could be blocked by an inhibitor of L-amino acid decarboxylase. Selective destruction of catecholamine-containing nerve terminals by 6-hydroxydopamine significantly decreased the uptake and release of tritiated dopamine but not that of tritiated serotonin. These observations support the hypothesis that a portion of exogenously administered L-dopa may enter central serotonin terminals and undergo decarboxylation to the amine with resultant displacement of the endogenous indoleamine from vesicular stores.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basal Ganglia / metabolism
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / pharmacology*
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Stimulation, Chemical
  • Tritium

Substances

  • Tritium
  • Serotonin
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine
  • Dopamine