Absence of α-methyldopamine in rat striatum after chronic administration of d-amphetamine

Direct measurement by gas chromatography methane chemical ionization mass spectrometry of α-methyldopamine and α-methylnorepinephrine in rat striatum has shown the failure of these compounds to be accumulated in vivo after chronic administration of d-amphetamine despite the accumulation of α-methyltyramine, an immediate in vitro precursor. Further, both α-methyldopamine and α-methyltyrosine. These data suggest striatum after administration of α-methyltyrosine. These data suggest that, after administration of α-methyltyrosine, α-methyldopamine is formed via decarboxylation of α-methyldopa and not from hydroxylation of α-methyltyramine. Finally, our results indicate that α-methyldopamine does not play a role in the development of tolerance to d-amphetamine.