L-dopa: disaggregation of brain polysomes and elevation of brain tryptophan.

One hour after administration of L-dopa (50 to 300 milligrams per kilogram), there is a marked disaggregation of brain polysomes in immature rats. Adult animals show a similar response, but require larger doses of the amino acid (500 milligrams per kilogram). Single doses of L-dopa significantly elevate amounts of tryptophan in the brain; hence their effect on polysomes does not result from the unavailability of this amino acid.