[L-DOPA uptake and catecholamine synthesis in the brains of rats with altered adrenocortical hormone levels].

L-DOPA uptake by the brain and synthesis of dophamine and noradrenaline from it was studied in experiments on rats. L-DOPA (catecholamine precursor) was injected in a dose of 5 mg per 100 g of weight intraperitoneally simultaneously with hydrocortisone or 3 hours after its three-fold administration. Hydrocortisone at first intensified the uptake of L-DOPA by the brain, and, correspondingly, the dophamine synthesis. But three-fold administration of the hormone was followed by a fall of the L-DOPA and catecholamine content in the brain due to decreased L-DOPA diffusion from the blood. Oxidative catecholamine deamination was enhanced under the effect of hydrocortisone; it was prevented by prescription of nuredal, a MAO inhibitor.