Identification of l-DOPA immunoreactivity in some neurons in the human mesencephalic region: a novel DOPA neuron group?

K. Komori, S. Uesaka, H. Yamaoka, K. Fujita, K. Yamaoka, H. Naitoh, M. Kuroda, N. Karasawa, T. Ito, Y. Kasahara, I. Nagatsu

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25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The presence of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) immunoreactivity is reported for the first time in some neurons in the human mesencephalic region, using an immunohistochemical method with a newly raised, highly specific anti-l-DOPA antiserum. We have found many l-DOPA-positive/dopamine (DA)-positive and a few l-DOPA-positive/DA-negative cell bodies in dopaminergic regions in the midbrain. The present results suggest the existence of more than one neuronal group of l-DOPA in the human mesencephalon. l-DOPA in one group is an intermediate metabolite for decarboxylation to DA and in another group may exist as an endproduct. l-DOPA in the latter neurons could be a neuromodulator and/or neurotransmitter. Thus, we suggest that l-DOPA plays an important role besides being an intermediate of DA in the human mesencephalon.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-16
Number of pages4
JournalNeuroscience Letters
Volume157
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09-07-1993

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience

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