Amino acids specialized products

Question 1

Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 1

• Rx: L-DOPA + Carbidopa (decarboxylase inhibitor)
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Question 2

Carcinoid syndrome

Answer 2

• increased 5-HIAA in urine; biomarker for carcinoid syndrome
• increased synthesis of 5-HT & release of 5-HIAA into bloodstream
• tumour of 5-HT producing cells in GIT (APUD cells); carcinoid tumours
• cutaneous flushing may or may not be accompanied by sweating
• GIT hypermotility causing diarrhoea
• Bronchospasm