EN
N-oleoyl-dopamine (OLDA) is a newly discovered endogenous lipid derivative of dopamine. It acts in a dopamine-like manner by, e.g., diminishing the respiratory response to hypoxia, enhancing the locomotor activity of the rat, or relaxing muscles in a reserpine model of Parkinson,s disease. In the context of being a potential prodrug or dopamine carrier in Parkinson’s disease, the aim of our study was to establish OLDA’s penetration into the brain after systemic administration and its stability in both in vivo and in vitro conditions. Thin layer chromatography and UV/VIS spectrometry techniques were used. We found that OLDA penetrates after i.p. injections into the brain, where it binds to membranes and stays stable for at least 24 h. In inorganic buffers its stability is comparable with those of dopamine. However, in rat brain membrane solution, OLDA remains unchanged for 17 h; lack of calcium ions prolongs this period to 24 h. In cytosolic solutions, OLDA is stable for over 24 h, regardless of the presence of Ca ions. Additionally, an intact rat brain membrane system protects OLDA from oxidation. In conclusion, N-oleoyl-dopamine is a highly stable, blood-brainbarrier penetrating, bioactive compound. OLDA’s stability, penetration into the nervous tissue and dopamine-like actions suggest its being a potentially useful compound in treatment of diseases linked to central dopamine deficits.