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MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Neuropeptides in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: February 14, 2012
Continuous dopaminergic delivery in Parkinson's disease
Angelo Antonini1, Giulia Ursino, Daniela Calandrella
1Department for Parkinson's Disease, IRCCS San Camillo and University of Padova, Venice, Italy. angelo3000@yahoo.com
Journal of Neurology
|November 17, 2010
Summary
Continuous dopaminergic delivery, using apomorphine or levodopa infusions, can reduce motor complications like dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This approach offers a wider therapeutic window for managing advanced PD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Motor fluctuations and dyskinesias are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), stemming from the nigrostriatal degenerative process affecting dopamine.
- Early treatment with dopamine agonists, compared to levodopa, is linked to a lower risk of motor complications due to their continuous dopaminergic delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore strategies for continuous dopaminergic delivery in advanced Parkinson's disease.
- To evaluate methods for widening the therapeutic window and mitigating motor complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies comparing early levodopa versus dopamine agonist therapy.
- Analysis of current methods for continuous dopaminergic delivery, including subcutaneous apomorphine and duodenal levodopa infusions.
Main Results:
- Dopamine agonists offer continuous dopaminergic delivery, reducing the risk of dyskinesias compared to levodopa.
- Subcutaneous apomorphine and duodenal levodopa infusions are current options for continuous dopaminergic delivery in advanced PD.
Conclusions:
- Switching to continuous dopaminergic delivery can improve management of advanced Parkinson's disease.
- Apomorphine and levodopa infusions offer alternatives to pulsatile oral therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes.
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