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What is the mechanism of action of carbidopa in the combination agent carbidopa-levodopa that is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

A. Postsynaptic dopamine receptor agonism
B. Monoamine oxidase type B inhibition
C. DOPA decarboxylase inhibition
D. Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition
E. Acetylcholine receptor antagonism

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Carbidopa inhibits the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase, increasing the availability of L-DOPA for conversion into dopamine in the brain and easing Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanism of action of carbidopa in the combination agent carbidopa-levodopa, which is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, is C. DOPA decarboxylase inhibition. Carbidopa works by inhibiting the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, also known as DOPA decarboxylase, which is responsible for converting L-DOPA into dopamine outside of the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, more L-DOPA is available to enter the brain where it can then be converted into dopamine, which is necessary for proper motor function and is deficient in Parkinson's patients.

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