L-DOPA for the prevention and acceleration of the reversal of neurogenic dystrophic damage to internal organs

Abstract

This review presents experimental and clinical studies of the effects of the levorotatory isomer of dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) on the development and reversal of neurogenic dystrophic changes (neurogenic dystrophy) in the heart, stomach, liver, and pancreas. These changes were induced by stimulation of the reflexogenic zones such as the aortic arch and pyloroduodenal area in rats and rabbits, by tonsillar stimulation in rabbits, by 3-hour electrical stimulation and immobilization in rats, and by central electrical stimulation of the posterior hypothalamus in rabbits. Protective effects of l-DOPA were identified at doses of 30, 50, and 300 mg/kg in terms of the development of biochemical and morphological manifestations of neurogenic dystrophy in the studied organs, including a significant decrease in norepinephrine and creatine phosphate levels and an increase in lactic acid level. The use of l-DOPA during the repair phase accelerated the recovery of adrenergic mediation, energy metabolism, and the resolution of dystrophic morphological manifestations, in particular, hemorrhagic erosions of the gastric mucosa. In clinical settings, preoperative medication of patients with l-DOPA (5 mg/kg) for 3 days before mitral commissurotomy prevented the development of postoperative heart failure. In patients with peptic ulcer disease, the administration of l-DOPA during the early remission phase accelerated the healing of ulcers in the stomach and duodenal wall.