Dopamine: A Novel Antitumor Agent Active Against B-16 Melanoma In Vivo

Abstract

L-Dopa methyl ester is an effective antitumor agent against the B-16 melanoma in vivo. The analog, dopamine, a major catabolite of L-dopa was examined. Dopamine administration at a daily dose of 600 mg/kg resulted in a 48% (P < 0.001) increase in survival of treated mice as compared to non-treated controls. In vitro, an effect similar to that observed with L-dopa methyl ester was noted, specifically, a rapid and profound inhibition of thymidine incorporation with little effect on uridine or leucine incorporation. The inhibition of a DNA polymerase might be the site of action of these novel antitumor agents.