Synthesis of dopamine from L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine by human amniotic epithelial cells.

In this study, the ability of human amniotic epithelial cells to synthesize dopamine from L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) was examined. Dopamine synthesis was significantly increased time and L-DOPA concentration dependently, suggesting the presence of an aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase enzyme. This was confirmed by the decrease in dopamine synthesis in the presence of an aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, benserazide. These findings suggest that human amniotic epithelial cells have the capacity to take up and convert L-DOPA into dopamine.