Question 1

L-DOPA is combined with carbidopa because:??&#10;A)&#9;Carbidopa potentiates the action of L-DOPA&#10;B) L-DOPA cannot cross the blood-brain barrier&#10;C) Carbidopa prevents peripheral conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine&#10;D) Carbidopa has additional anti-Parkinson effects&#10;E) Carbidopa prolongs the half-life of L-DOPA

Accepted Answer

The presence of carbidopa in the peripheral circulation increases the amount of L-DOPA available to the brain by preventing its peripheral conversion to dopamine. The effects of dopamine in the periphery are undesirable. Furthermore dopamine is more rapidly degraded than L-DOPA and less readily crosses the blood-brain barrier than L-DOPA.

Question 2

The pharmacologic treatment goals for Parkinson's disease include:&#10;A) Increase the production of dopamine in the brain&#10;B) Decrease the breakdown of dopamine in the brain&#10;C) Increase the receptor density for dopamine in the brain&#10;D) Provide additional agonist activity for existing dopamine receptors&#10;E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Loss of dopamine neurons in the brain is compensated by increasing both the amount of available dopamine as well as its receptor activity.

Question 3

Primary treatment goals of Alzheimer's disease include:&#10;A) Increasing cholinergic activity&#10;B) Increasing central dopaminergic activity&#10;C) Increasing sympathetic activity&#10;D) Increasing GABA-ergic activity&#10;E) Increasing NMDA-receptor activity

Accepted Answer

Current pharmacologic treatment of Alzheimer's includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA-antagonists. Dopaminergic antagonists are sometimes indicated to manage agitation and psychotic symptoms occurring in later stages of Alzheimer's.

Deck 28: Treatment of Parkinsons and Alzheimers Diseases