Uptake of 3,4-dihydroxy[3H]phenylalanine by Mycobacterium leprae isolated from frozen (-80 degrees C) armadillo tissue.

Mycobacterium leprae separated from armadillo tissues stored at -80 degrees C is similar to that from human sources in its ability to take up 3H-labelled 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). Several inhibitors were studied which showed complete or partial inhibition of [3H]DOPA uptake. These findings suggest that M. leprae isolated from frozen tissue possesses an active uptake system for [3H]DOPA.