Anti-parkinsons Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
what class is levodopa
A
small molecule
2
Q
how is levodopa metabolised
A
converted into dopamine by dopamine decarboxylase
3
Q
what can levodopa be used in combination with
A
peripheral dopamine decarboxylase inhibitor such as carbidopa to decrease side effects
4
Q
Parkinson pathogenesis?
A
- Degeneration of the substantia nigra leading to decrease dopaminergic innervation of the striatum
- striatum controls initiation of movement and fine motor control
5
Q
How does levodopa treat DP
A
Levodopa is converted into dopamine by dopamine decarboxylase increasing dopaminergic concentration in the nigrostriatal pathway and alleviate PD symptoms
6
Q
why is dopamine not used directly to treat PD
A
It cannot cross the BBB whereas levodopa can
7
Q
Why is Dopamine so important in PD
A
it is required to maintain direct and indirect pathway balance to mediate tonic inhibition of the thalamo-cortical motor pathway
8
Q
A
