Biomaterial Database

Mechanism of selective phytotoxicity of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-dopa) in barnyardgrass and lettuce. 2007

Mayumi Hachinohe, and Hiroshi Matsumoto

Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan.

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) is one of the few allelochemicals in which the phytotoxic action mechanism has been studied. Excess exogenous L-dopa suppresses root elongation in some plant species, and the inhibitory action is species-selective. The main factor of phytotoxicity of L-dopa is considered to be oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or free radical species (FRS). This study was performed to elucidate the mechanism of species-selective phytotoxicity. The involvement of ROS/FRS and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in species-selective phytotoxicity was examined with barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), tolerant and susceptible species, respectively. Lipid peroxidation and melanin accumulation correlated with growth inhibition by L-dopa. Antioxidants, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol, decreased lipid peroxidation and melanin accumulation and rescued lettuce root from growth inhibition. The oxidation of L-dopa by PPO was much greater in lettuce than in barnyardgrass. From these results, the phytotoxicity of L-dopa is considered due to the oxidative damage caused by ROS/FRS generated from the melanin synthesis pathway. PPO activity might be involved in the mechanism of species-selective phytotoxicity between barnyardgrass and lettuce.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007980	Levodopa	The naturally occurring form of DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE and the immediate precursor of DOPAMINE. Unlike dopamine itself, it can be taken orally and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is rapidly taken up by dopaminergic neurons and converted to DOPAMINE. It is used for the treatment of PARKINSONIAN DISORDERS and is usually given with agents that inhibit its conversion to dopamine outside of the central nervous system.	L-Dopa,3-Hydroxy-L-tyrosine,Dopaflex,Dopar,L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine,Larodopa,Levopa,3 Hydroxy L tyrosine,L 3,4 Dihydroxyphenylalanine,L Dopa
D008543	Melanins	Insoluble polymers of TYROSINE derivatives found in and causing darkness in skin (SKIN PIGMENTATION), hair, and feathers providing protection against SUNBURN induced by SUNLIGHT. CAROTENES contribute yellow and red coloration.	Allomelanins,Melanin,Phaeomelanins
D010777	Photochemistry	A branch of physical chemistry which studies chemical reactions, isomerization and physical behavior that may occur under the influence of visible and/or ultraviolet light.	Photochemistries
D004156	Catechol Oxidase	An enzyme of the oxidoreductase class that catalyzes the reaction between catechol and oxygen to yield benzoquinone and water. It is a complex of copper-containing proteins that acts also on a variety of substituted catechols. EC 1.10.3.1.	Diphenol Oxidases,Diphenol Oxidase,Polyphenol Oxidase,Polyphenoloxidase,Oxidase, Catechol,Oxidase, Diphenol,Oxidase, Polyphenol,Oxidases, Diphenol
D006109	Poaceae	A large family of narrow-leaved herbaceous grasses of the order Cyperales, subclass Commelinidae, class Liliopsida (monocotyledons). Food grains (EDIBLE GRAIN) come from members of this family. RHINITIS, ALLERGIC, SEASONAL can be induced by POLLEN of many of the grasses.	Alopecurus,Arundo,Gramineae,Grasses,Imperata,Grass,Imperata cylindrica
D006540	Herbicides	Pesticides used to destroy unwanted vegetation, especially various types of weeds, grasses (POACEAE), and woody plants. Some plants develop HERBICIDE RESISTANCE.	Algaecide,Algicide,Herbicide,Algaecides,Algicides
D013997	Time Factors	Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations.	Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor
D018517	Plant Roots	The usually underground portions of a plant that serve as support, store food, and through which water and mineral nutrients enter the plant. (From American Heritage Dictionary, 1982; Concise Dictionary of Biology, 1990)	Plant Bulbs,Plant Root,Bulb, Plant,Bulbs, Plant,Plant Bulb,Root, Plant,Roots, Plant
D018545	Lactuca	Any of the various plants of the genus Lactuca, especially L. sativa, cultivated for its edible leaves. (From American Heritage Dictionary, 2d ed)	Iceberg Lettuce,Lactuca sativa,Lettuce,Iceberg Lettuces,Lettuce, Iceberg,Lettuces,Lettuces, Iceberg