Behavioural and biochemical interaction between caffeine and l-dopa

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Abstract
The modification by caffeine of the effects of different doses of l-dopa on locomotor activity and catecholamine levels in brain was investigated in mice. Caffeine, which in the dose used caused moderate locomotor stimulation by itself, did not alter the depressant effect on motility of medium doses of l-dopa. The hyperkinetic effect of higher doses of l-dopa was, however, potentiated by caffeine. Biochemically the increase in dopamine levels seen after a dose of l-dopa was enhanced by caffeine. It is suggested that at least part of the potentiating effect of caffeine on the l-dopa induced hypermotility is related to the increased cerebral levels of dopamine.