Abstract
Summary
The concentrations of liver free amino acids in l-Dopa-treated and control rats were assayed by a Jeol amino acid analyzer. Subcutaneous injections of 500 mg/kg l-Dopa daily for 8 days increased the concentrations of isoleucine, methionine, threonine and tyrosine. 1000 mg/kg l-Dopa produced an even greater increase in the concentration of tyrosine and threonine in the liver as well as inducing a significant increase in hepatic-aspartic acid and serine. Only glutamic acid decreased after chronic l-Dopa treatment (1000 mg/kg). These effects of l-Dopa on hepatic-free amino acid levels are discussed with reference to some of the known metabolic actions of this drug.
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