Decarboxylase Inhibition and Blood Pressure Reduction by α-Methyl-3,4-Dihydroxy-DL-phenylalanine

Abstract

alpha-Methyl-3,4-dihydroxy-DLphenylalanine has been found to be an effective inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylation in man. This was shown by decreased formation of serotonin, tryptamine, and tyramine from the precursor amino acids. Reduction of amine biosynthesis is associated with lowering of blood pressure in hypertensive patients and a transient sedative effect.