An enzymatic assay for metabolites of perfluoro-tagged 5-hydroxytryptophan

l-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) with two types of multiple ¹⁹F-atom tags bonded at various positions onto the indole ring (positions 4, 6, or 7) was exposed to aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) in lysates of Escherichia coli JM109 which had been transformed with the plasmid pKKAADCII. Resulting samples were analyzed with HPLC. In the first study, which investigated a straight-chain seven-atom tag, a novel peak, putatively perfluoro-tagged serotonin, was detected. A second study demonstrated that 5-HTP was converted to 5-HT in transformed E.coli lysate but not in untransformed lysate. A third study, investigating a tag with nine fluorine atoms all in the same nuclear environment, identified the isomer serving as the best substrate for AADC. This novel molecule had the tag bonded at the 6 position on the indole ring. Isomers that fit into the active site of AADC are likely to follow the biosynthetic path for serotonin in vivo and are potentially useful in ¹⁹F magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies. The enzymatic assay described here provides an efficient and cost-effective tool for screening new compounds.     

The Roles of Striatal Serotonin and <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-Amino-acid Decarboxylase on <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-DOPA-induced Dyskinesia in a Hemiparkinsonian Rat Model

The administration of l-DOPA is the standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the symptomatic relief provided by long-term administration may be compromised by l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) that presents as adverse fluctuations in motor responsiveness and progressive loss of motor control. In the later stages of PD, raphestriatal serotonin neurons compensate for the loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons by converting and releasing DA derived from exogenous l-DOPA. Since the serotonin system does not have an autoregulatory mechanism for DA, raphe-mediated striatal DA release may fluctuate dramatically and precede the development of LID. The 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats were treated with l-DOPA (6 mg/kg) and benserazide (15 mg/kg) daily for 3 weeks to allow for the development of abnormal involuntary movement score (AIMs). In rats with LID, chronic treatment with l-DOPA increased striatal DA levels compared with control rats. We also observed a relative increase in the expression of striatal l-amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC) in LID rats, even though tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression did not increase. The administration of l-DOPA also increased striatal serotonin immunoreactivity in LID rats compared to control rats. Striatal DA and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels were negatively correlated in l-DOPA-treated rats. These results of this study reveal that 5-HT contributes to LID. Striatal DA positively influences LID, while 5-HT is negatively associated with LID. Finally, we suggest that by strategic modification of the serotonin system it may be possible to attenuate the adverse effects of chronic l-DOPA therapy in PD patients.     

Metabolic engineering of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> for improving <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-DOPA) synthesis from glucose

l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) is an aromatic compound employed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Metabolic engineering was applied to generate Escherichia coli strains for the production of l-DOPA from glucose by modifying the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) and aromatic biosynthetic pathways. Carbon flow was directed to the biosynthesis of l-tyrosine (l-Tyr), an l-DOPA precursor, by transforming strains with compatible plasmids carrying genes encoding a feedback-inhibition resistant version of 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase, transketolase, the chorismate mutase domain from chorismate mutase-prephenate dehydratase from E. coli and cyclohexadienyl dehydrogenase from Zymomonas mobilis. The effects on l-Tyr production of PTS inactivation (PTS⁻ gluc⁺ phenotype), as well as inactivation of the regulatory protein TyrR, were evaluated. PTS inactivation caused a threefold increase in the specific rate of l-Tyr production (q _l-Tyr), whereas inactivation of TyrR caused 1.7- and 1.9-fold increases in q _l-Tyr in the PTS⁺ and the PTS⁻ gluc⁺ strains, respectively. An 8.6-fold increase in l-Tyr yield from glucose was observed in the PTS⁻ gluc⁺ tyrR ⁻ strain. Expression of hpaBC genes encoding the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylacetate 3-hydroxylase from E. coli W in the strains modified for l-Tyr production caused the synthesis of l-DOPA. One of such strains, having the PTS⁻ gluc⁺ tyrR ⁻ phenotype, displayed the best production parameters in minimal medium, with a specific rate of l-DOPA production of 13.6 mg/g/h, l-DOPA yield from glucose of 51.7 mg/g and a final l-DOPA titer of 320 mg/l. In a batch fermentor culture in rich medium this strain produced 1.51 g/l of l-DOPA in 50 h.     

Immunohistochemistry of endogenous l-DOPA in the rat posterior hypothalamus

Summary The aim of this work was to study l-DOPA-containing neuronal structures of the rat posterior and dorsal hypothalamus by means of immunohistochemistry using antiserum against glutaraldehyde conjugated l-DOPA. Aspects and distribution of l-DOPA immunoreaction among cells of the supramammillary nucleus and the A11, A13c and A13 cell groups are described and compared to dopamine immunoreactivity, mainly through a double colored labelling procedure employing a color modification of the DAB reaction by metallic ions. Differences between l-DOPA and dopamine stainings within cell groups as the presence of cells with predominant or exclusive l-DOPA coloration are tentatively explained under the light of previous findings using immunohistochemistry of catecholamines synthesizing enzymes and catecholamines histofluorescence.     

Effects of Manganese on Extracellular Levels of Dopamine in Rat Striatum: An Analysis <Emphasis Type="Italic">In vivo</Emphasis> by Brain Microdialysis

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of intrastriatal administration of MnCl_2, on the extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) and metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in basal conditions and stimulated by depolarization with KCl and pargyline administration. Also, we studied the effect of MnCl₂ on extracellular levels of l-Dopa in the presence of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) inhibitor 3-hydroxybencilhydracine-HCl (NSD 1015). This study concluded that MnCl₂, reduced the basal and K⁺-stimulated DA-release in striatum, without notably affecting the DOPAC and HVA levels. Intraperitoneal injection of pargyline increased striatal DA levels, decreasing DOPAC and HVA levels. The infusion of MnCl₂ removed the increase in DA levels, without affecting DOPAC and HVA levels. Perfusion of NSD 1015 increased the extracellular levels of l-DOPA in striatum, and MnCl₂ increased the effect of NSD1015 on l-Dopa.     

Bioconversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA by a novel bacterium Bacillus sp. JPJ

l-DOPA is an amino acid derivative and most potent drug used against Parkinson’s disease, generally obtained from Mucuna pruriens seeds. In present communication, we have studied the in vitro production of l-DOPA from l-tyrosine by novel bacterium Bacillus sp. JPJ. This bacterium produced 99.4% of l-DOPA from l-tyrosine in buffer (pH 8) containing 1 mg ml⁻¹ cell mass incubated at 40°C for 60 min. The combination of CuSO₄ and l-ascorbic acid showed the inducing effect at concentrations of 0.06 and 0.04 mg ml⁻¹, respectively. The activated charcoal 2 mg ml⁻¹ was essential for maximum bioconversion of l-tyrosine to l-DOPA and the crude tyrosinase activity was 2.7 U mg⁻¹ of tyrosinase. Kinetic studies showed significant values of Y _p/s (0.994), Q _s (0.500) and q _s (0.994) after optimization of the process. The production of l-DOPA was confirmed by analytical techniques such as HPTLC, HPLC and GC–MS. This is the first report on rapid and efficient production of l-DOPA from l-tyrosine by bacterial source which is more effective than the plant, fungal and yeast systems.     

Polyphenol oxidase activity in dormant saffron (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Crocus sativus</Emphasis> L<Emphasis Type="Italic">.</Emphasis>) corm

Crocus sativus L., cultivated since ancient times as the source of saffron, is a triploid plant that can be propagated only via its corms which undergo a period of dormancy. Understanding the processes taking place in the corm is essential to preserve the plant and improve its quality. Color and taste being of prime importance in the quality of the saffron spice, knowledge on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in the plant is of particular interest given the role of the enzyme in fruit and vegetable browning during processing and during the storage of processed food. In this paper, PPO activity was investigated for the first time in extracts obtained from dormant C. sativus L. corms. PPO activity was detectable using l-DOPA, pyrogallol, catechol or p-cresol as substrate, each being oxidized to its corresponding o-quinone; no activity was detectable with l-tyrosine, tyramine or phenol as substrate. Two pH optima, respectively at 4.5 and 6.7, were observed with all substrates and a third one, at 8.5, was found with l-DOPA and p-cresol. Kinetics parameters studied at pH 6.7 indicated the highest catalytic efficiency (in units mg⁻¹ prot mM⁻¹) with pyrogallol: 150, then catechol: 39, l-DOPA: 6.4 and p-cresol: 4.6. The enzymatic activity was inhibited by 50% in the presence of 0.22, 0.35, 0.5 and 0.7 mM kojic acid with, respectively, catechol, pyrogallol, p-cresol and l-DOPA as substrate. When stained for PPO activity, non-denaturing gel electropherograms of extract revealed three distinct bands, indicating the presence of multiple isoenzymes in dormant C. sativus L. corms.     

Microarray analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis</Emphasis> plants in response to allelochemical <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-DOPA

Velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens) plants impede the growth of neighboring plants. One compound, 3-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-l-alanine (l-DOPA), is responsible for the allelopathic capacity of velvetbean. This compound is an active allelochemical that decreases root growth of several plant species. In mammals, l-DOPA is a well-known therapeutic agent for the symptomatic relief of Parkinson’s disease. However, its mode of action in plants is still not well understood. To address such issues, gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana plants, which had been exposed to l-DOPA, was analyzed using DNA microarrays. After 6 h of l-DOPA exposure, the expression of 110 genes was significantly upregulated, and the expression of 69 genes was significantly downregulated. These induced genes can be divided into different functional categories, mainly on the basis of subcellular localization, metabolism, and proteins with a binding function or cofactor requirement. Based on these results, we suggest that l-DOPA acts by two mechanisms: it influences amino acid metabolism and deregulates metal homeostasis, especially that of iron, which is required for the fundamental biological processes of all organisms.     

l-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) affects rooting potential and associated biochemical changes in hypocotyl of mung bean, and inhibits mitotic activity in onion root tips

A study was undertaken to explore the effect of l-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) on the rooting potential of hypocotyl cuttings of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb. var. SML-32) and related biochemical changes at the post-expression phase. At lower concentrations of (0.0001–0.1 mM) l-DOPA, there was no change in rooting potential, though the average number of roots per cutting and root length were significantly decreased (except at 0.0001 mM). However, at 1.0 mM concentration, a 50% inhibition in rooting potential was noticed and the root number and length were severely reduced. In contrast, at 2.5 mM l-DOPA, none of the hypocotyl cutting rooted. The decrease in rooting potential was associated with a significant effect on the biochemical changes measured in terms of protein and carbohydrate metabolism and activity of peroxidases. In the l-DOPA treated hypocotyl cuttings, there was a significant reduction in the protein and carbohydrate content, whereas activities of associated enzymes proteases and amylases decreased, particularly at higher treatment concentration (>1.0 mM). It indicated negative effect of l-DOPA on these two important metabolic processes. Likewise, activity of peroxidases also decreased in the l-DOPA treated hypocotyl mung bean cuttings thereby indicating its role in suppressing rhizogenesis as the enzyme is involved in lignification process during cell division. l-DOPA suppressed mitotic activity in the root tip cells of onion indicating thereby its interference with the cell division, which is required for the formation of new meristematic tissue during rhizogenesis. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that l-DOPA interferes with the various biochemical processes in the mung bean hypocotyl cuttings thereby affecting their rooting potential.     

Intrastriatal Grafting of Cos Cells Stably Expressing Human Aromatic l-Amino Acid Decarboxylase: Neurochemical Effects

Abstract: To study the possibility that increasing striatal activity of aromatic l -amino acid decarboxylase (AADC; EC 4.1.1.28) can increase dopamine production in dopamine denervated striatum in response to l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine ( l -DOPA) administration, we grafted Cos cells stably expressing the human AADC gene (Cos- haadc cells) into 6-hydroxydopamine denervated rat striatum. Before grafting, the catalytic activity of the enzyme was assessed in vitro via the generation of ¹⁴CO₂ from l -[¹⁴C]DOPA. The K _m value for l -DOPA in intact and disrupted cells was 0.60 and 0.56 m M , respectively. The cofactor, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, enhanced enzymatic activity with maximal effect at 0.1 m M . The pH optimum for enzyme activity was 6.8. Grafting Cos- haadc cells into denervated rat striatum enhanced striatal dopamine levels measured after systemic administration of l -DOPA. When measured 2 h after l -DOPA administration, the mean dopamine level in the striata of Cos- haadc -grafted animals was 2 µg/g of tissue, representing 31% of normal striatal dopamine concentration. The mean dopamine concentration in the striata grafted with untransfected Cos cells (Cos-ut cells) was 1 µg/g. At 6–8 h after l -DOPA administration, striatal dopamine content in the Cos- haadc -grafted animals was 0.67 µg/g of tissue weight, representing 9% of intact striatum dopamine content. By contrast, the average dopamine content in the Cos-ut-grafted animals was undetectable. These findings demonstrate that enhancing striatal AADC activity can improve dopamine bioformation in response to systemically administered l -DOPA.     

Cloning and expression of a tyrosinase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus oryzae</Emphasis> in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yarrowia lipolytica</Emphasis>: application in <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-DOPA biotransformation

Amplification of the tyrosinase gene (melO) from the genomic DNA of Aspergillus oryzae NCIM 1212 yielded a 1.6-kb product. This gene was cloned into pYLEX1, and the resulting pTyro-YLEX1 vector was transformed in Yarrowia lipolytica strain Po1g. A clone displaying the highest specific activity for tyrosinase (10.94 U/mg) was used for obtaining the complementary DNA (cDNA) and for protein expression studies. cDNA sequence analysis indicated the splicing of an intron present in the melO gene by Po1g. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, acidification at pH 3.0 followed by activity staining with l-DOPA indicated the expression of an active tyrosinase. The clone over-expressing the tyrosinase transformed l-tyrosine to l-DOPA. On optimization of conditions for the biotransformation (pH 4.0, temperature 60°C and with 3.5 mg of biomass), 0.4 mg/ml of l-DOPA was obtained.     

Direct and decarboxylation-dependent effects of neurotransmitter precursors on firing of isolated monoaminergic neurons

To elucidate mechanisms that underlie the profound physiological effects of the monoamine precursors 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan (5-HTP) and l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA), we examined their action on single monoaminergic neurons isolated from the ganglia of the gastropod snail Lymnaea stagnalis. In isolated serotonergic PeA motoneurons, 5-HTP produced excitation. The effect was mimicked by serotonin at 0.5–1 μM, masked by pretreatment with serotonin at higher concentrations, and abolished by the inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine (NSD-1015), the inhibitor of the vesicular monoamine transporter reserpine or the serotonin receptor antagonist mianserin. Exposure of the dopaminergic interneurons RPeD1 to l-DOPA caused a biphasic effect composed of a depolarization followed by a hyperpolarization. AAAD inactivation with NSD-1015, as well as the blockade of dopamine receptors with sulpiride, resulted in the enhancement of the excitatory effect, and the abolition of the inhibitory effect. Dopamine caused hyperpolarization and masked the inhibitory phase of l-DOPA action. The results show that precursors affect the rate of firing of isolated monoaminergic neurons and that their effect is completely or partially mediated by the enhanced synthesis of the respective neurotransmitter, followed by extrasynaptic release of the latter and activation of extrasynaptic autoreceptors.     

Striatal Dopaminergic Fiber Recovery After Acute <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-DOPA Treatment in 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) Lesioned Rats

In order to examine the acute effects of l-DOPA treatment following 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection into rat medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 48) received either 6-OHDA, via intracranial unilateral injection, into the MFB (experimental group) or saline 0.9% (control group). Administration of l-DOPA or saline 0.9% began 1 month after the 6-OHDA injection for 10 consecutive days. Within 3 days, an increase in the density of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive fibers within the striatum, when compared to the control group was observed. There was no difference in the loss of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons between. The greater density of TH fibers in the striatum following l-DOPA may be related to recovery of the DA phenotype and/or sprouting of TH axon terminals. Only animals with severe cell loss in the SNpc experienced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) or “dyskinesias” in response to l-DOPA, which did not correlate with striatal TH fiber density, suggesting that induction of TH-positive fibers does not contribute to the occurrence of dyskinesia. The relationship between cell loss, fiber density and AIM to the abundance of markers of microglial activation were also examined. Iba-1, a microglial marker, immunoreactivity was not affected by l-DOPA treatment, was not correlated with the severity of AIM indicating that microglial activation does not contribute to dyskinetic phenomena.     

Contribution of Serotonergic Transmission to the Motor and Cognitive Effects of High-Frequency Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus or Levodopa in Parkinson’s Disease

Although they are effective at treating the motor impairments that are the core symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, current treatments, namely l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA), the gold standard medication and high-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (HFS-STN), can lead to cognitive and mood alterations. Many of these side effects, such as depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, could be related to abnormal functioning of the serotonergic system, but much basic research remains to be done. Molecular studies in humans and animal models of the disease have reported diverse drastic changes to the serotonergic system. It has also been shown that the serotonergic system both plays a major role in the mechanism of action of the current therapies and is altered by the therapies. It has been reported that HFS-STN decreases serotonin release in several regions, mostly via inhibition of serotonergic neuron activity. The involvement of serotonergic neurons in l-DOPA treatment is even more significant. First, serotonergic neurons, able to convert exogenous l-DOPA to dopamine, are a major site to release dopamine throughout the brain. Second, the substitution of serotonin by newly synthesized dopamine in serotonin neurons leads to acute and chronic alteration of serotonin release and metabolism. Therefore, both therapeutic approaches, via distinct mechanisms, decrease serotonergic system activity and, rather than alleviating cognitive or mood disorders, tend to aggravate them. Molecular strategies targeting the serotonergic system are being developed and could be decisive in limiting l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia, as well as mood and cognitive symptoms produced by antiparkinsonian therapies.     

Production of 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-alanine (<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-DOPA) by Egyptian halophilic black yeast

Production of 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl-l-alanine (l-DOPA) using an Egyptian isolate of halophilic black yeast was studied. Optimum aeration level and incubation period for high yield production of l-DOPA were 50 ml medium/250 ml flask with 200 rpm and 36 h, respectively. Two new techniques (addition of aniline or NaCl to the medium) have been investigated to enhance the monophenolase activity and inhibit or reduce diphenolase activity of tyrosinase to form high yield of l-DOPA without more oxidation to melanin. Addition of aniline to tyrosine medium at 3 μl/ml medium enhanced l-DOPA production 2.9 fold, however, addition of NaCl at 20% showed the same amount of l-DOPA as the control. Peptone and ram horn hydrolysate were studied as nitrogen sources instead of tyrosine in the medium and they showed good nitrogen sources for l-DOPA production as tyrosine. Finally, addition of aniline (3 μl/ml) to ram horn hydrolysate was economically feasible and cost effective for l-DOPA production by Egyptian halophilic black yeast.     

Neural control of olfaction and tentacle movements by serotonin and dopamine in terrestrial snail

We investigated the role of serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) in the regulation of olfactory system function and odor-evoked tentacle movements in the snail Helix. Preparations of the posterior tentacle (including sensory pad, tentacular ganglion and olfactory nerve) or central ganglia with attached posterior tentacles were exposed to cineole odorant and the evoked responses were affected by prior application of 5HT or DA or their precursors 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) and l-DOPA, respectively. 5HT applications decreased cineole-evoked responses recorded in the olfactory nerve and hyperpolarized the identified tentacle retractor muscle motoneuron MtC3, while DA applications led to the opposite changes. 5HTP and l-DOPA modified MtC3 activity comparable to 5HT and DA action. DA was also found to decrease the amplitude of spontaneous local field potential oscillations in the procerebrum, a central olfactory structure. In vivo studies demonstrated that injection of 5HTP in freely moving snails reduced the tentacle withdrawal response to aversive ethyl acetate odorant, whereas the injection of l-DOPA increased responses to “neutral” cineole and aversive ethyl acetate odorants. Our data suggest that 5HT and DA affect the peripheral (sensory epithelium and tentacular ganglion), the central (procerebrum), and the single motor neuron (withdrawal motoneuron MtC3) level of the snail’s nervous system.     

Tyrosine hydroxylase and Parkinson's disease

A consistent neurochemical abnormality in Parkinson's disease (PD) is degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra, leading to a reduction of striatal dopamine (DA) levels. As tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyses the formation ofl-DOPA, the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of DA, the disease can be considered as a TH-deficiency syndrome of the striatum. Similarly, some patients with hereditaryl-DOPA-responsive dystonia, a neurological disorder with clinical similarities to PD, have mutations in the TH gene and decreased TH activity and/or stability. Thus, a logical and efficient treatment strategy for PD is based on correcting or bypassing the enzyme deficiency by treatment withl-DOPA, DA agonists, inhibitors of DA metabolism, or brain grafts with cells expressing TH. A direct pathogenetic role of TH has also been suggested, as the enzyme is a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro and a target for radical-mediated oxidative injury. Recently, it has been demonstrated thatl-DOPA is effectively oxidized by mammalian TH in vitro, possibly contributing to the cytotoxic effects of DOPA. This enzyme may therefore be involved in the pathogenesis of PD at several different levels, in addition to being a promising candidate for developing new treatments of this disease.     

Induction of aldose reductase and polyol dehydrogenase activities in Aureobasidium pullulans by d-xylose,l-arabinose and d-galactose

Summary The induction of aldose reductase and polyol dehydrogenase activities by d-xylose, l-arabinose, d-galactose and d-glucose was studied in the yeast-like organism Aureobasidium pullulans CCY 27-1-26. d-xylose and l-arabinose induced two distinct NADPH-dependent aldose reductases and the inducing saccharide was simultaneously the most efficient substrate for the corresponding enzymatic reaction. Polyol dehydrogenase induced by d-xylose, l-arabinose and d-galactose was strictly NAD⁺-dependent and required only xylitol as a substrate of the enzymatic reaction. l-Arabitol did not act as a substrate for l-arabinose-induced polyol dehydrogenase either in the presence of NAD⁺ or NADP⁺.     

Peculiarities of L-DOPA treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Summary. L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), the anti-parkinsonian drug affording the greatest symptomatic relief of parkinsonian symptoms, is still misunderstood in terms of its neurotoxic potential and the mechanism by which generated dopamine (DA) is able to exert an effect despite the absence of DA innervation of target sites in basal ganglia. This review summaries important aspects and new developments on these themes. On the basis of L-DOPA therapy in animal models of Parkinsons disease, it appears that L-DOPA is actually neuroprotective, not neurotoxic, as indicated by L-DOPAs reducing striatal tissue content of the reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl radical (HO), and by leaving unaltered the extraneuronal in vivo microdialysate level of HO. In addition, the potential beneficial anti-parkinsonian effect of L-DOPA is actually increased because of the fact that the basal ganglia are largely DA-denervated. That is, from in vivo microdialysis studies it can be clearly demonstrated that extraneuronal in vivo microdialysate DA levels are actually higher in the DA-denervated vs. the intact striatum of rats – owing to the absence of DA transporter (i.e., uptake sites) on the absent DA nerve terminal fibers in parkinsonian brain. In essence, there are fewer pumps removing DA from the extraneuronal pool. Finally, the undesired motor dyskinesias that commonly accompany long-term L-DOPA therapy, can be viewed as an outcome of L-DOPAs sensitizing DA receptors (D₁–D₅), an effect easily replicated by repeated DA agonist treatments (especially agonist of the D₂ class) in animals, even if the brain is not DA-denervated. The newest findings demonstrate that L-DOPA induces BDNF release from corticostriatal fibers, which in-turn enhances the expression of D₃ receptors; and that this effect is associated with motor dyskinesias (and it is blocked by D₃ antagonists). The recent evidence on mechanisms and effects of L-DOPA increases our understanding of this benefical anti-parkinsonian drug, and can lead to improvements in L-DOPA effects while providing avenues for reducing or eliminating L-DOPAs deleterious effects.