Normal and abnormal function of Basal ganglia Parkinson's and Huntington's. Part 3

Question 1

Why is CARBIDOPA given in conjunction with L-DOP in Parkinson’s disease

Answer 1

IT is a peripheral DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor which prevents Ldopa from turning into dopamine outside the brain as this provides unwanted effects.

However CARBIDOPA cannot cross BBB so ldopa can turn into dopamine in the brain

Question 2

Unwanted effects of LDOPA

Answer 2

Development of choreic movements

Rapid fluctuations in clinical state

Nausea and anorexia

Hypotension

Psychotic effects

Question 3

What can be used to enhance D2 receptor function in Parkinson’s

Answer 3

Dopamine agonists

Question 4

Are post-synaptic Dopamine agonist receptors altered in Parkinsons

Answer 4

No

Question 5

What is used to treat symptoms in Parkinsons, especially in early onset young patients

Answer 5

D2 receptor agonists

Question 6

What are D2 receptors

Answer 6

Inhibitory-main ones in basal ganglia

Question 7

What are D1 receptors

Answer 7

excitatory- few in basal ganglia

Question 8

What drugs prevent Dopamine metabolism and how are they administered

Answer 8

1) Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) B Inhibitors (Selegiline)

Give together with L-Dopa

2)Catechol-O-methyl transferase Inhibitors

Give together with L-Dopa

Question 9

What may be given to help with Tremors

Answer 9

Muscarinic receptor antagonists

Question 10

What does the loss of dopamine nigrostriatal pathway mean

Answer 10

Puts balance in favour of indirect pathway