The influence of oxygen isotope substitution on the critical temperatu
re T-c in La(2-y)Sr(y)Cu(1-x)Me(x)O(4) (Me=Fe, Ni) optimally doped (y=
0.15) and overdoped (y=0.20) with Sr has been studied over wide range
of 3d elements concentration. A substantionally different behavior of
isotope exponent alpha(O) = - d(lnT(c))/d(lnM) has been found in optim
ally doped and overdoped compounds. A qualitative explanation is sugge
sted for this distinction which is grounded on the specific properties
of the spin correlations in LSCO.