Abstract
The effects of levodopa on the plasma concentration of 11- hydroxycorticosteroids
and glucose were examined in mice.
In fasted, nialamide treated mice, but not in fed mice, levodopa produced a significant
decrease in the plasma concentration of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids. This was accompanied
by a significant and marked decrease in the plasma glucose concentration. These effects
of levodopa could be mimicked by relatively small doses of dopamine injected intracerebroventricularly
but not intravenously. The integrity of the hypothalamic- pituitary adrenal axis in
nialamide-treated mice was suggested by the elevation in plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids
produced by fasting or by insulin induced hypoglycaemia.
These results indicate that in the mouse, as in other species, levodopa can inhibit
stress provoked increases in the secretion of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids.
Key words
Levodopa - Dopamine - Nialamide - Insulin - Hypoglycaemia - 11-Hydroxycorticosteroids
