Applied Neuro-pharmacology

Question 1

What causes Parkinson’s disease

Answer 1

Degeneration of dopaminergic cells in the nigrostriatal pathway which leads to dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia

Question 2

Why cant dopamine be given peripherally (e.g. tablet or injection) to increase dopamine levels in Parkinson’s patients

Answer 2

Dopamine cannot cross the blood brain barrier

Question 3

What is the mechanism to increase dopamine in the brain of Parkinson’s patients

Answer 3

DOPA (precursor of dopamine) is given, this can cross the blood brain barrier and is converted into dopamine in the brain

Question 4

What are the consequences of administering DOPA peripherally

Answer 4

Can also be converted into dopamine in the periphery therefore get unwanted peripheral side effects e.g. vomiting and hypertension

(To prevent this the AAD enzyme converting DOPA to dopamine in the periphery is blocked - also allows more DOPA to cross blood brain barrier as not converted and stuck in periphery as dopamine)

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s (4)

Answer 5

Stiffness
Slow movements
Change in posture
Tremor