PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Christopher G. Goetz
TI  - Influence of COMT inhibition on levodopa pharmacology and therapy
AID  - 10.1212/WNL.50.5_Suppl_5.S26
DP  - 1998 May 01
TA  - Neurology
PG  - S26--S30
VI  - 50
IP  - 5 Suppl 5
4099  - http://n.neurology.org/content/50/5_Suppl_5/S26.short
4100  - http://n.neurology.org/content/50/5_Suppl_5/S26.full
SO  - Neurology1998 May 01; 50
AB  - 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.