AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Levodopa is the precursor to dopamine. Most commonly, clinicians use levodopa as a dopamine replacement agent for the treatment of Parkinson disease. It is most effectively used to control bradykinetic symptoms apparent in Parkinson disease.

Detailed explanation-2: -Dopamine itself is used as precursor in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is converted into norepinephrine by the enzyme dopamine -hydroxylase, with O2 and L-ascorbic acid as cofactors.

Detailed explanation-3: -Dopamine is a precursor to norepinephrine in noradrenergic nerves and is also a neurotransmitter in certain areas of the central nervous system. Dopamine produces positive chronotropic and inotropic effects on the myocardium, resulting in increased heart rate and cardiac contractility.

Detailed explanation-4: -During this stage of the disease, you may begin taking medication. The most common first treatment for Parkinson’s disease is dopamine agonists. This medication activates dopamine receptors, which make the neurotransmitters move more easily.

Detailed explanation-5: -Four dopamine agonists are now Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved and available for use in the United States to treat PD: Mirapex® (pramipexole), Requip® (ropinirole), Neupro® (rotigotine) and Apokyn® (apomorphine).