Levodopa

J. Aldred, J. G. Nutt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Levodopa is a large neutral amino acid that is converted by striatal aromatic amino acid decarboxylase into dopamine, and greatly improves motor function in Parkinson's disease. Many factors converge to complicate the pharmacokinetics of levodopa. The knowledge of levodopa metabolism has lead to several different treatment strategies to prolong dopamine action in the central nervous system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Movement Disorders
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages132-137
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780123741059
ISBN (Print)9780123741011
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2010

Keywords

  • Absorption
  • Amino acid decarboxylase
  • Carbidopa
  • Entacapone
  • Half-life levodopa
  • Metabolism
  • Rasagiline
  • Selegiline
  • Tolcapone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Neuroscience

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