The psychological effects of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibition in normal subjects

Biol Psychiatry. 1979 Jun;14(3):455-62.

Abstract

Acute administration of the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitor, fusaric acid, combined with L-dopa, 500 mg, produced discernible psychological abnormalities in normal subjects. These were not found after L-dopa alone, or after placebo. The changes, lasting a few hours, were manifested by significant increases in "total psychopathology," and in a number of subscales on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Changes were also found in mood ratings on adjective checklists, and inkblot tests. A variety of effects were found on psychiatric interview. Since DBH does not occur in dopamine neurons, it is likely that the psychological effects were due to changes in dopamine or norepinephrine in norepinephrine neurons.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Fusaric Acid / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / chemically induced
  • Mental Disorders / enzymology*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Perception / drug effects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Social Behavior
  • Verbal Behavior / drug effects

Substances

  • Levodopa
  • Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase
  • Fusaric Acid