Deuterium substitutions in the L-DOPA molecule improve its anti-akinetic potency without increasing dyskinesias

Treatment of Parkinson's disease is complicated by a high incidence of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LID). Strategies to prevent the development of LID aim at providing more stable dopaminergic stimulation. We have previously shown that deuterium substitutions in the L-DOPA molecule (D3-L-DOPA) yield dopamine that appears more resistant to enzymatic breakdown. We here investigated the effects of D3-L-DOPA on motor performance and development of dyskinesias in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease. Through acute experiments, monitoring rotational behavior, dose–effect curves were established for D3-L-DOPA and L-DOPA. The equipotent dose of D3-L-DOPA was estimated to be 60% of L-DOPA. Subsequently, animals were treated with either the equipotent dose of D3-L-DOPA (5 mg/kg), the equivalent dose of D3-L-DOPA (8 mg/kg), L-DOPA (8 mg/kg) or vehicle. The equivalent dose of D3-L-DOPA produced superior anti-akinetic effects compared to L-DOPA in the cylinder test (p < 0.05), whereas the equipotent dose of D3-L-DOPA produced an anti-akinetic effect similar to L-DOPA. Dyskinesias developed to the same degree in the groups treated with equivalent doses of D3-L-DOPA and L-DOPA. The equipotent dose of D3-L-DOPA induced fewer dyskinesias than L-DOPA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study provides evidence for improved potency and reduced side-effects of L-DOPA by deuterium substitutions in the molecule. These results are of clinical interest since the occurrence of LID is related to the total L-DOPA dose administered. D3-L-DOPA may thus represent a novel strategy to reduce the total dose requirement and yet achieve an effective control of parkinsonian symptoms. ►Treatment of Parkinson's disease is complicated by L-DOPA-induced side-effects. ►Deuterium substituted L-DOPA was here shown to be more potent than regular L-DOPA. ►A lower dose of deuterium L-DOPA produced equal effect as a higher dose of L-DOPA. ►This equipotent dose of deuterium L-DOPA additionally induced fewer side-effects. ►Treatment with deuterium L-DOPA may therefore reduce L-DOPA-induced side-effects.