| Abstract: | L-Dopa has has been shown to demonstrate enhanced toxicity toward melanoma cells in vitro. Since melanocytes arise from the neural crest embryologically, the effect of L-dopa methyl ester, a soluble analog, on the murine C1300 neuroblastoma was studied. There was significant antitumor activity against the neuroblastoma, which was enhanced by combination with a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, Ro4-4602. In vitro studies suggested inhibition of DNA synthesis as the principal site of action. A mechanism involving sulfhydryl compound scavenging is postulated. |
