RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Influence of COMT inhibition on levodopa pharmacology and therapy
JF Neurology
JO Neurology
FD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
SP S26
OP S30
DO 10.1212/WNL.50.5_Suppl_5.S26
VO 50
IS 5 Suppl 5
A1 Christopher G. Goetz
YR 1998
UL http://n.neurology.org/content/50/5_Suppl_5/S26.abstract
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.