methyldopa given for two to six weeks causes a rise in serum prolactin concentrations in hypertensive patients. Our studies have confirmed that patients on long-term treatment with methyldopa have raised serum prolactin concentrations. Furthermore, we have shown that even a single oral dose of methyldopa will increase serum prolactin concentrations. Basal serum prolactin levels varied considera...

The region surrounding the dopa decarboxylase gene of Drosophila contains a cluster of functionally related genes, many of which affect cuticle development and/or catecholamine metabolism. In this report we describe the molecular mapping and sequencing of a full-length cDNA copy of a transcript that maps to the alpha-methyldopa hypersensitive region. Developmental RNA blots show stage-specific ...

The treatment of essential hypertension still consists of the judicious combination of two or more agents. The chemical nature, pharmacology, side effects and relative merits of two groups of drugs are reviewed: (1) agents interfering with the synthesis, storage and release of endogenous catecholamines and (2) oral diuretic agents. Rauwolfia compounds, bretylium tosylate, guanethidine, alpha-me...

ALPHA-METHYLDOPA (a-methyl-3,4-diIA hydroxy-L-phenylalanine [Aldomet]) is a useful antihypertensive agent with sedative and aromatic L-amino decarboxylase-inhibiting properties.'-7 It has several advantages over other potent antihypertensive drugs in current use. Reduction in blood pressure is achieved gradually and occurs in the lying as well as in the standing position. The lack of marked pos...

BACKGROUND Antihypertensive drugs are believed to lower blood pressure in pre-eclampsia by direct or central vasodilatory mechanisms. However, they could also act by decreasing production of anti-angiogenic proteins involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension and proteinuria in pre-eclampsia (PE). The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of antihypertensive therapy with alpha methyld...