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Inhibition of Serotonin Synthesis by Dopa and Other Catechols

Nature New Biology volume 233, pages 179–180 (1971)Cite this article

Abstract

THE introduction of L-dopa, which reduces central serotonin stores1,2, for treatment of Parkinson's disease has focused attention on the drug's central pharmacological action. The effect of L-dopa was attributed to the release of serotonin by dopamine which was formed from the administered dopa. We have shown that dopamine and other catechols effectively inhibit serotonin synthesis from tryptophan in slices obtained from rat's brain. Thus, the inhibition of serotonin synthesis by dopa may also contribute to the lowering of central serotonin stores following administration of this aromatic amino-acid.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Neurochemistry Laboratory, New York University Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, New York, 10016

    MENEK GOLDSTEIN & RENATA FRENKEL

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  1. MENEK GOLDSTEIN
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  2. RENATA FRENKEL
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GOLDSTEIN, M., FRENKEL, R. Inhibition of Serotonin Synthesis by Dopa and Other Catechols. Nature New Biology 233, 179–180 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio233179a0

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