Are L-tyrosine and L-dopa hormone-like bioregulators?

J Theor Biol. 1990 Mar 8;143(1):123-38. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5193(05)80292-9.

Abstract

Some amino acids have bioregulatory functions, which far exceed those of precursors for proteins or of substrates for specific enzymes. Two of these amino acids, L-tyrosine and L-dopa, are precursors to melanin and catecholamines. In vertebrates, they can act as inducers and regulators of the melanogenic apparatus and of MSH receptors--two quite complex functions that could hardly be performed by mere substrates. Focussing on the pigmentary system as a study model, we therefore explore the hypothesis that L-tyrosine and L-dopa act as hormone-like bioregulators in mammals, with melanocytes regulating tyrosine and dopa activity via their metabolic consumption.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hormones / physiology*
  • Levodopa / pharmacology*
  • Mammals / physiology*
  • Melanocytes / physiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Pigmentation / physiology
  • Tyrosine / physiology*

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Tyrosine
  • Levodopa