Dopamine metabolism following irreversible inactivation of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase in retina.

The effects of an intravitreal injection of alpha-fluoromethyldopa, an irreversible mechanism-based inactivator of aromatic-L-amino acid decarboxylase, on the retinal dopamine content of light-adapted chicks and rabbits have been examined. A single administration of 10 nmol of alpha-fluoromethyldopa totally inactivates aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase within 2 hr in vivo in rabbits. By 4 to 6 hr, the level of dihydroxyphenylalanine increased 7-fold and the levels of dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid fell by 90%. With an injection of 50 nmol, similar results were observed in chicks. The levels of dihyroxyphenylacetic acid began to fall soon after injection when significant (30 to 40%) amounts of dopamine were still present. These results are discussed in relation to the use of tissue dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels to indicate the level of dopaminergic neuronal activity or dopamine synthesis. Recovery by the retinae of both species was shown by the return of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase activity and the resynthesis of dopamine.