OCCURRENCE OF L-DOPA AND DOPAMINE IN PLANTS AND CELL-CULTURES OF MUCUNA-PRURIENS AND EFFECTS OF 2,4-D AND NACL ON THESE COMPOUNDS

The development of the L-DOPA-content of roots, stems and leaves of Mucuna pruriens during growth of the plants is described. Besides L-DOPA, the leaves, but not the stems and the roots, also contain the related catechol dopamine. The time course of dopamine accumulation is compared to that of L-DOPA.

In cell suspension cultures of M. pruriens dopamine can be detected as well. Its level is strongly increased by addition of the growth regulator 2,4-D top the medium, a condition that suppresses cell growth and L-DOPA-accumulation. Dopamine induction appears to be a specific metabolic effect of 2,4-D. Salt stress, as caused by the addition of NaCl, gives no induction of dopamine formation, whereas L-DOPA is released into the medium.