Levodopa Flashcards
1
Q
what is Levodopa
A
dopamine replacement therapy
2
Q
Levodopa is a natural form of dihydroxyphenylalanine. what is the consequence of this?
A
It is therefore an immediate precursor of dopamin
3
Q
how is levodopa taken
A
orally
4
Q
what is levodopa usually taken alongside and why
A
alongside a dopamine decarboxylase to reduce metabolism at the gut wall
5
Q
within the brain what is levodopa taken up by? and what happens after it’s uptake
A
dopaminergic neurons and converted to dopamine
6
Q
clinical use of dopamine
A
It is used to replace dopamine lost in Parkinson’s disease.