What is L-dopa ?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
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What is L-dopa ?

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L-dopa or levodopa is an antecedent to the neurochemical dopamine. It crosses the blood-brain barricade to reach the brain, where it is converted into dopamine by dopaminergic neurons. Thus, it increases dopamine levels in the brain. It plays an important role in treating Parkinson's disease, which is a disorder of the brain characterized by the development of symptoms like shaking, stiffness, improper balance, etc. This disease results from too little production of dopamine in the brain. L-dopa in the form of medication covers up for this loss and thus helps in treating the associated symptoms. 

 

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