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PubMed1997

[The effect of controlled release of DOPA and carbidopa on clinical response and plasma pharmacokinetics of DOPA in parkinsonian patients].

This is a multicentric double blind comparison of the effects of standard and slow release levodopa + carbidopa formulations in patients with Parkinson's disease. Sixty four patients with simple fluctuations were included and 43 finished the study. The study had three phases: a) optimal dose findings phase with standard levodopa + carbidopa; b) open label, cross over study with the two formulations, and c) double blind, parallel investigation. The following results were obtained. There was not a difference in the severity of disability according to UPDRS, part 3, scores though the subjective impressions of patients were in favor of standard formulations. The Sustained release levodopa + carbidopa produced significant improvement of dystonia in off period, pain due to akinesia in off and the number of hours in off and the quality and latency of sleep. In addition there was a tendency in favor of slow release compounds for early morning akinesia, global effect and impression of the examining physician. Low protein diet improved the kinetics of levodopa and the clinical response with both formulations. The clinical usefulness of standard and slow release levodopa + carbidopa formulation should be weighted according to individual problems of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed1997

[Studies on novel, stable and potent competitive antagonists against L-DOPA].

DOPA has been proposed to be a neurotransmitter of the primary baroreceptor afferents terminating in the NTS and a neuromodulator in striata of rats. Pre- and post-synaptic recognition sites for DOPA itself may exist. DOPA methyl ester (DOPA ester), a potent competitive antagonist for DOPA in continuously superfused slices or within a several min when microinjected in the NTS has some limitation in in vivo use because of its unstableness as a prodrug for DOPA. We have explored to find stable and potent antagonists for DOPA. At first, we tried to clarify whether or not newly synthesized DOPA esters with bulky structure such as DOPA cyclohexyl ester (CHE), DOPA cyclopentyl ester (CPE) and DOPA cyclopentyldimethyl ester (CPDME) antagonize depressor responses to DOPA microinjected into the NTS, and to what degree these analogues 1 microM perfused via probes are converted to DOPA during striatal microdialysis in urethane-anesthetized rats. Then, we analyzed mode of antagonism of some candidate in the NTS system. During striatal microdialysis, DOPA ester 1 microM increased extracellular levels of DOPA to an 100 fold higher level at a peak of the 1st 20 min sample after the perfusion. Conversion ratio of CHE, CPE and CPDME, compared to DOPA ester, was less than 1/5 at the peak of the 3rd sample, 1/3.3 at the peak of the 2nd, and 1/2.7 at the peak of the 3rd, respectively. In the NTS, all analogues 1 microgram microinjected abolished depressor responses to DOPA 60 ng. Time required to recover a base was 20 min for CHE and 10 min for DOPA ester, CPE and CPDME. At 100 ng, CHE inhibited peak depressor responses to DOPA 60 ng by 53%, CPE by 40%, and CPDME by 24%, compared to DOPA ester by 22%. Then, DOPA 10-300 ng microinjected produced dose-dependent hypotension. DOPA ester 300 ng, microinjected 1 min previously, shifted a dose-response curve for DOPA 30-300 ng to the right without reduction of the maximum response, showing a competitive mode of antagonism. CHE 30 ng competitively antagonized depressor responses to DOPA 18-300 ng without reduction of the maximum response. CHE 100 ng further shifted the dose-response curve for DOPA 18-100 ng to the right with 25% reduction of the maximum response. Antagonistic activity of CHE 100 ng was equipotent with DOPA ester 300 ng. CHE is a competitive antagonist including partially some noncompetitive components. A possible component might be related to NMDA receptors, since high concentrations of CHE displaced selective binding of [3H]-MK-801, an antagonist. In conclusion, CHE is suitable for the purpose.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Sympathoadrenal contribution to plasma dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) in rats.

1. To determine the sources of dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) in plasma, we measured regional arteriovenous differences, tissue concentrations and urinary excretion of dopa during systemic intravenous infusions of I-[3H]dopa into anaesthetized intact rats and rats pretreated with the sympathetic neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine. 2. In intact rats, large arteriovenous increments in plasma dopa concentrations were noted in the femoral (47%) and adrenal (141%) beds, with a small arterial-portal venous increment (11%), whereas in the kidney there was a substantial (47%) arteriovenous decrement in plasma dopa levels. Skeletal muscle appeared to be a major source of dopa in arterial plasma. 3. Treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine abolished the afferent-efferent increment of plasma dopa concentrations in the femoral bed. The arteriovenous decrement of plasma dopa concentrations in the kidney was preserved, and the arteriovenous increment in the adrenal bed was decreased by about half. Arterial plasma dopa levels fell by 41%. 4. Regional extraction percentages of I-[3H]dopa were used to estimate the clearances and rates of appearance (spillovers) of dopa in plasma. Dopa spillover was detected in the femoral, renal, splanchnic and adrenal beds, with skeletal muscle accounting for about 44% and the kidneys accounting for about 18% of dopa in arterial plasma. Whereas chemical sympathectomy decreased the femoral and renal spillover of dopa by 90% or more, arterial dopa levels and estimated dopa spillover into arterial plasma were decreased by only about 45%. 5. The kidneys accounted for 22% of dopa clearance from arterial plasma. From the renal extraction of I-[3H]dopa and the urinary excretion of [3H]dopamine, it was estimated that 77% of dopa removed in the kidneys was excreted as dopamine in intact animals and 69% was excreted as dopamine in sympathectomized animals. Conversely, about 80% of urinary endogenous dopamine was derived from plasma dopa, regardless of 6-hydroxydopamine treatment. 6. The results indicate that endogenous dopa in arterial plasma is derived substantially but not exclusively from sympathetic nerve endings that are destroyed by 6-hydroxydopamine, especially in skeletal muscle and the kidneys. Regional dopa spillover therefore probably reflects regional catecholamine biosynthesis. In rats, urinary dopamine is derived mainly from renal decarboxylation of circulating dopa.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2003

Mediated exodus of L-dopa from human epidermal Langerhans cells.

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) is not metabolized within human epidermal Langerhans cells (LC); yet they can take up substantial amounts of this amino acid which subsequently can be released into the extracellular space. We recently reported that human epidermal energy metabolism is predominantly anaerobic and that the influx mechanism is a unidirectional L-dopa/proton counter-transport system and now we describe conditions for the mediated transport of L-dopa out of the LC. It is demonstrated that certain amino acids and one dipeptide can effectively trigger the efflux of L-dopa taken up by the LC.Thus, alpha-methyl-dopa (alpha-m-dopa), D-dopa and the dipeptide, met-ala at the outside of the plasma membrane stimulated the efflux of L-dopa from L-dopa loaded LC. Similar effects were achieved by a variety of other amino acids in the extracellular fluid while some other amino acids were inactive. The time required for 50% D-methionine-induced exodus of L-dopa from L-dopa loaded LC was in the range of 5-7 min and a complete exodus of L-dopa was attained at about 20 min of incubation. This dislocation of L-dopa to the extracellular fluid is interpreted as an expression of trans-stimulation. In the case of alpha-m-dopa, D-dopa and met-ala, which admittedly were not able to penetrate the plasma membrane of LC, the concept of trans-stimulation was given a new purport, since none of them were able to participate in an exchange reaction. Finally, it could be concluded that L-dopa escaped by a route different from the one responsible for L-dopa uptake in LC.Thus, while the influx of L-dopa supports extrusion of protons deriving from anaerobic glycolysis in the LC, L-dopa efflux can provide the cells with useful amino acids in an energy-saving way, altogether a remarkable biological process. From this follows that L-dopa has a biological function of its own, besides being a precursor in the catecholamine and pigment syntheses.

Adult↗
PubMed1973

On the mechanism of L-dopa-induced postural hypotension in the cat.

1. The effects of L-DOPA on postural hypotension and carotid occlusion pressor effect were studied, mainly in cats; the recovery of the blood pressure upon tilting was used as a measure of postural hypotension.2. L-DOPA (30 mg/kg) partially depressed the carotid occlusion pressor effect and caused some degree of postural hypotension, L-DOPA (100 mg/kg) had more marked effects; the responses returned to control after 90 to 150 minutes. L-DOPA itself caused a pressor response in all cats.3. The dopa decarboxylase inhibitor N(1)-(DL-seryl)-N(2)-(2,3,4-trihydroxybenzyl) hydrazine (RO4-4602, 50 and 10 mg/kg) had no effect itself on the tilt response but completely prevented the effects of L-DOPA on the carotid occlusion pressor effect and postural hypotension.4. After RO4-4602 (3 and 1 mg/kg), L-DOPA (100 mg/kg) caused a brief rise of blood pressure followed by a longer lasting fall in horizontally-orientated cats (i.e. ;supine' hypotension). No postural hypotension was observed after L-DOPA under these conditions.5. Noradrenaline elicited only small and transient effects on postural hypotension, but dopamine's effects were more marked and longer lasting. Pressor dose-response relationships for noradrenaline were the same before and after L-DOPA, as well as in cats pretreated with L-DOPA for 4 days.6. In cats with kidneys and intestines removed, the tilt reflex was still present. Dose-response curves to L-DOPA were the same as in normal animals. RO4-4602 (3 mg/kg) prevented postural hypotension and block of the carotid occlusion pressor effect; supine hypotension was also observed after L-DOPA.7. The recovery response to tilting in spinal cats was markedly depressed or absent unless the blood pressure was elevated by angiotensin, in which experiments L-DOPA depressed the recovery upon tilting (i.e. induced postural hypotension).8. Blood pressure responses to tyramine were increased after 10 mg/kg of L-DOPA, but depressed after 100 mg/kg. The response to tyramine was not depressed, however, when RO4-4602 was given to block the dopa-dopamine conversion.9. The response to sympathetic stimulation in pithed rats was depressed after L-DOPA and dopamine, but not after alpha-methyldopa.10. alpha-Methyldopa (300 mg/kg) given acutely caused a moderate degree of postural hypotension and a more marked postural hypotension if given for two days.11. It is concluded that it is possible to differentiate between the supine and postural hypotension caused by L-DOPA and that supine hypotension is due to a central effect and postural hypotension to an extracerebral effect. Postural hypotension is discussed in relation to six hypotheses presented to explain its effect. Postural hypotension after L-DOPA is probably not due to a-adrenoceptor blockade, a central effect or any effect on the kidney. The most likely hypothesis is that L-DOPA forms dopamine which acts as a false transmitter in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1986

Increase in melanin formation and promotion of cytotoxicity in cultured melanoma cells caused by phosphorylated isomers of L-dopa.

A new class of compounds, termed "dopa phosphates," is described. The compounds contain phosphate ester linkages at positions 3 and/or 4 of the phenylalanine ring. Dopa phosphates are highly soluble compounds which are stable over a wide range of pH values and are not hydrolyzed by boiling in concentrated acid. Synthetic yields of greater than 90% can be obtained using dopa as starting material. Exposure to alkaline phosphatase results in hydrolysis of the phosphate moieties and production of dopa. Dopa phosphates do not inhibit dopa oxidase (tyrosinase, EC 1.14.18.1) activity. Dopa oxidase does not catalyze the conversion of dopa phosphates into melanin unless the dopa phosphates are first treated with alkaline phosphatase. Dopa phosphates, when compared to L-dopa, are stable in the presence of O2 and are not oxidized by serum proteins. In the presence of cultured melanoma cells, dopa phosphates are readily converted into melanin, indicating that the cells are able to produce dopa from dopa phosphates. At high concentrations, dopa phosphates are cytotoxic toward melanoma cells in culture. The cytotoxicity is enhanced at least 3-fold by pretreatment of cells with melanotropin and is prevented by phenylthiourea, an inhibitor of dopa oxidase activity. These results, combined with studies on the uptake of radioactive forms of dopa phosphates (32P and 14C), indicate that phosphorylated isomers of dopa are efficiently taken up by Cloudman melanoma cells and are readily converted by the cells into a melanin precursor, presumably L-dopa.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Intravenous boluses and continuous infusions of L-dopa methyl ester in fluctuating patients with Parkinson's disease.

In six patients with Parkinson's disease exhibiting severe "on-off" phenomena, a 200-mg intravenous bolus of either L-DOPA or of its methyl ester were equally effective in reversing motor deficits, although the duration of action of the methyl ester was shorter. There were no marked differences in pharmacokinetic parameters for L-DOPA plasma levels after administration of L-DOPA and the methyl ester. In three patients, optimal infusion rates for the maintenance of mobility were established for L-DOPA and L-DOPA methyl ester. Both drugs were able to maintain patients "on" throughout a 12-h infusion period. However, on average the optimal infusion rate of L-DOPA methyl ester was 2.7 times greater than that for L-DOPA. There was no marked difference in the plasma levels of L-DOPA achieved, but 3-O-methyl DOPA levels increased more after infusion of L-DOPA methyl ester than after infusion of L-DOPA itself. The half-life of elimination and volume of distribution of L-DOPA formed from the methyl ester were markedly increased compared with values obtained after either an intravenous bolus of methyl ester or after an intravenous infusion of L-DOPA itself. An intravenous bolus of L-DOPA methyl ester produces an equivalent magnitude of clinical response to the same dose of L-DOPA. However, higher optimal infusion rates of methyl ester than L-DOPA are required to produce continuous effect. The pharmacokinetic handling of L-DOPA methyl ester given by intravenous infusion may differ from that of L-DOPA when given by the same route.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

L-DOPA systems for blood pressure regulation in the lower brainstem.

We have explored probable neurotransmitter roles of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in baroreceptor reflex and blood pressure regulation in depressor sites of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM), and in pressor sites of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in anesthetized rats. During microdialysis of these three areas, the basal L-DOPA release is in part tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive and Ca2(+)-dependent, high K+ Ca2(+)-dependently releases dL-DOPA. L-DOPA microinjected (10-300 ng) dose-dependently produces postsynaptic depressor responses in the NTS and CVLM and pressor responses in the RVLM, and a recognition site for L-DOPA functions tonically to activate depressor neurons in the NTS and CVLM and pressor neurons in the RVLM. It is highly probable that L-DOPA is a neurotransmitter of the baroreceptor afferents terminating in the NTS, which is based on further findings such as (1) antagonism by a competitive L-DOPA antagonist against depressor responses to aortic nerve stimulation, (2) TTX-sensitive L-DOPA release by aortic nerve stimulation, (3) abolition of baroreceptor-stimulated L-DOPA release by bilateral sino-aortic denervation and (4) decreases in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)- and L-DOPA-immunoreactivities without modifications of dopamine- and DBH-immunoreactivities in the left NTS and ganglion nodosum 7 days after ipsilateral aortic nerve denervation peripheral to the ganglion. In the NTS, GABA tonically functions to inhibit via GABAA receptors L-DOPA release and depressor responses to L-DOPA, whereas L-DOPA induces GABA release. Impaired TTX-sensitive neuronal activity to release L-DOPA in the NTS and enhanced TTX-sensitive neuronal activity including a decrease in decarboxylation of L-DOPA to dopamine and an increase in sensitivity of the recognition site to L-DOPA in the RVLM are relevant to the maintenance of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Decreases in the contents of L-DOPA in the right CVLM 10 days after electrical lesion of the ipsilateral NTS suggest a 'L-DOPAergic' and monosynaptic relay from the NTS to the CVLM. L-DOPA seems to play major roles as a neurotransmitter for baroreceptor reflex and blood pressure regulation in the lower brainstem of rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

5-OH-dopa, product of and substrate for tyrosinase.

The formation of 5-OH-dopa on incubation of tyrosine or dopa with mushroom tyrosinase was studied. Dopa oxidase activity was defined by measuring the formation of 5-S- and 2-S-cysteinyldopa from dopa in the presence of excess amounts of cysteine. This procedure quantitating the immediate nucleophilic reaction products of dopaquinone constitutes a new method for assessing tyrosinase activity. The rate of 5-OH-dopa formation from dopa was similar to that of the formation of dopa from tyrosine. The rate of dopaquinone formation was one order of magnitude higher. When tyrosine was oxidized in the presence of ascorbic acid, 5-OH-dopa formation represented 14% of the original amount of tyrosine. At low concentration of dopa, formation of 5-OH-dopa was proportional to the dopa concentration. At high concentrations the relative quantity of 5-OH-dopa formed decreased. Tyrosine in high concentrations inhibited the formation of 5-OH-dopa from dopa. 5-OH-dopa proved to be a substrate for tyrosinase. The rate of oxidation of 5-OH-dopa was similar to that of dopa. The oxidation products of 5-OH-dopa were transformed into relatively stable fluorophores.

Basidiomycota↗
PubMed1985

Modification of dopa toxicity in human tumour cells.

A variety of factors were found to modify the toxicity of L-dopa in HeLa cells (D37 16 microM) and in dopa-sensitive, nonpigmented human melanoma cells (MM96) (D37 5 microM) having a similar size and doubling time. Dopa toxicity was decreased by concurrent treatment with superoxide dismutase, peroxidase or catalase, by erythrocytes, or by hypoxia. Toxicity could be increased by the enzyme inhibitors L- and D-penicillamine, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. The two cell lines had similar levels of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase; in 6 human melanoma lines, no correlation was found between dopa killing and tyrosinase activity as determined either by formation of dopa from tyrosine or by formation of melanin from dopa. Uptake of L-dopa was similar in HeLa and MM96 cells, and the toxicity of D-dopa was the same in both lines as that of the L-isomer. Dopa decomposed within 12 hr in culture medium, the rate and products being influenced by addition of the above enzymes and by the cell density. Dopa-melanin and medium containing decomposed dopa were also selectively toxic to MM96 cells. Adenovirus 5 was used in two different ways to assess the relative importance of DNA damage and inhibition of DNA synthesis by dopa. Viral replication was found to be unaffected in cells being treated with dopa but was strongly inhibited in cells treated with the DNA polymerase inhibitor cytosine arabinoside. Secondly, the virus was itself inactivated by treatment with dopa for 24 hr (D37 1.3 mM); similar dose response curves were obtained for replication of dopa-treated virus in untreated HeLa or MM96 cells. These results show that the initial events of dopa toxicity occur outside the cell and lead to the formation of a stable, toxic product (probably melanin) which does not strongly inhibit DNA polymerase activity. Melanoma hypersensitivity was not due to differences in oxygen-metabolizing enzymes, dopa uptake, or DNA repair.

Adenoviruses, Human↗