Parkinson's

Question 1

Pathophysiology

Answer 1

• decreased amount of dopamine in the brain due to destruction of the brain cells in the substantia nigra which are responsible for the production of dopamine
• dopamine is an inhibitory neurotrransmitter (blocks the tendency of that neuron to fire) in the brain. inhibits release of acetylcholine.
• get too much acetylcholine

Question 2

Parkinson’s Drugs - Dopaminergics

Answer 2

• increase dopamine levels in the corpus striatum
• DA precursors (levodopa-carbidopa). coverts to dopamine. carbidopa prevents conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside of CNS
• DA receptor agonists
• MAO-B inhibitors (stop neurostransmitter from being broken down)
• Drugs that decrease the effects of Ach