Metabolic Pathway of L-3-Methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenylalanine (3-O-MethylDOPA)-Participation of Tyrosine Aminotransferase and Lactate Dehydrogenase

Abstract

Metabolic pathway of L-3-methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenylalanine (3-O-methylDOPA) in rat liver was investigated in vitro. 3-O-MethylDOPA was proved to be first transaminated to 3-methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate by tyrosine aminotransferase, which was then reduced to 3-methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenyllactate by lactate dehydrogenase. No evidence was obtained for the O-demethylation of 3-O-methylDOPA.