Anti-Parkinsonian drugs and neuroleptics Flashcards
Explain the process of dopamine synthesis
L-tyrosine -> L-DOPA
Tyrosine hydroxylase (rate-limiting)
L-DOPA -> Dopamine
Dopamine decarboxylase
Explain the process of dopamine metabolism
Dopamine removed from the synaptic cleft by dopamine transport (DAT) and noradrenaline transporter (NET)
Monoamine oxidase A - MAO-A metabolises Dopamine, NEt and 5-HT
MAO-B - metabolises dopamine
COMT - metabolises all catecholamines, wide distribution
What are the major locations of the dopaminergic pathways
Nigrostriatal pathway
Mesolimbic pathway
Mesocortical pathway
Tuberofundibular pathway
Where is the nigrostriatla pathway and what does inhibition of it result in
Substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) to the striatum.
Inhibition results in movement disorders
Where is the mesolimbic pathway
ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc).
Where is the mesocortical pathway and what is its function
VTA to the cerebrum.
Important in executive functions and complex behavioural patterns.
Where is the tuberoinfundibulnar pathway and what doe inhibition lead to
Arcuate nucleus to the median eminence.
Inhibition results in hyperprolactinaemia
Describe the epidemiology of Parkinson’s
1-2% of individuals over 60 years old
Around 5% of cases are due to mutations in certain genes (e.g. SNCA, LRRK2)
What is the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s
Severe loss of dopaminergic projection cells in Substantia nigra
Lewy bodies + neurites - Found respectively within neuronal cell bodies + axons
Consist of abnormally phosphorylated neurofilaments, ubiquitin + alpha-synuclein
How does Parkinsons disease clinically present
Motor symptoms (4 cardinal symptoms) - resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability Autonomic nervous system effects - olfactory deficits, orthostatic hypotension, constipation Neuropsychiatric - sleep disorders, memory deficits, depression, irritability
How is levodopa used in Parkinsons treatment
Rapidly converted to DA by DOPA decarboxylase (DOPA-D)
Can cross blood-brain barrier (BBB)
Peripheral breakdown by DOPA-D - Leads to nausea and vomiting
What are the long term side effects of levodopa
Dyskinesias + ‘on-off’ effects. NOT disease-modifying (same mortality)
Give example of adjuncts used in Parkinsons treatment
DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors: Carbidopa and Benserazide
COMT inhibitors: Entacapone and Tolcapone
Prevents peripheral breakdown of DOPA-D (nausea and vomiting)
Describe the pharmacokinetics of DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors
Carbidopa and Benserazide
Do not cross the BBB - prevents peripheral breakdown of levodopa
Reduce required levodopa dosage
How are COMT inhibitors used in Parkinsons treatment
Entacapone and Tolcapone
increase amount of levodopa in the brain