PMID: 9591519: COMT inhibition on levodopa pharmacology and therapy.

[janet paterson <janet313@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Influence of COMT inhibition on levodopa pharmacology and therapy.

Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an important enzyme that is linked 
directly to therapy with levodopa.

Considering the demonstrated mechanism of action and pharmacologic profiles of 
COMT inhibitors, it is reasonable to hypothesize that these agents would 
improve the disability associated with Parkinson's disease.

Two basic classes of COMT inhibitors are being studied in patients with PD: 
those that act exclusively extracerebrally or peripherally (e.g., entacapone) 
and those that cross the blood-brain barrier (e.g., tolcapone).

With COMT inhibition, greater peripheral bioavailability of levodopa occurs in 
humans without an enhancement of peak plasma levels.

It is reasonable to suggest that COMT inhibition will be associated with 
prolonged effects of levodopa in PD, without increased peak dose toxicity in 
the form of dyskinesias and hallucinations.


Neurology 1998 May;50(5 Suppl 5):S26-30
Goetz CG
Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
PMID: 9591519, UI: 98252193

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janet paterson
52 now / 41 dx / 37 onset
613 256 8340 po box 171 almonte ontario canada K0A 1A0
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