 |
 |
 |
|
Selegiline is used either alone or in combination with levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This medicine helps to increase and extend the beneficial effects of levodopa. Selegiline has also been used to treat depression.
History
Selegiline has been used since 1975 as adjunctive therapy for Parkinson's disease. Selegiline blocks the enzyme monoamine oxidase type B, which forms one of the metabolic pathways for dopamine in the brain. It was predicted that selegiline would prolong the effect of native or endogenous dopamine, and also prolong the effect of dopamine formed from therapeutically administered levodopa.
In the 1980s, evidence suggested that selegiline may retard the pathological process that leads to the development of Parkinson's disease. Two possible mechanisms were postulated. The most popular was the blockade of oxidation and, therefore, free radical formation. A less popular putative mechanism was that selegiline may prevent the action of environmental toxins.
While most observers now accept that selegiline does not have a neuroprotective effect, there is still a body of animal studies supporting this possibility, and some clinicians have continued to argue that selegiline may retard the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Reasons For Use
Selegiline hydrochloride has been known to improve motor functions in Parkinson's disease. It prolongs the effects of dopamine in the brain by preventing its breakdown.
There is no longer any compelling reason to prescribe selegiline as sole therapy for new patients with Parkinson's disease. Selegiline may be of use for patients with motor fluctuations although it is not necessarily better than alternative strategies such as slow-release levodopa, dopamine agonists or COMT inhibition.
Side-Effects
Nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain and confusion were commonly reported in selegiline-treated patients moreso than in placebo-treated patients in clinical trials.
|
|
 |
|
 |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Dopamine
A neurohormone; precursor to norepinephrine which acts as a stimulant to the nervous system. Carries signals between neurons and controls feelings of satisfaction, arousal, reward and mood.
Endogenous
From within the body, either a native function or the product of the extended colony. Normal flora in the colon are considered endogenous.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Monoamine Oxidase (MAO)
An enzyme catalyzing the removal of an amine group from a variety of substrates, including norepinephrine and dopamine. MAO inhibitors block the action of MAO, thus raising the levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin - which have significant effects on mood and behavior. Epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin are normally deactivated by MAO-A while dopamine and phenylethylamine are normally metabolized by MAO-B.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Parkinson's Disease (Parkinson's)
A chronic, slowly-progressing disease of the nervous system characterized clinically by the combination of tremor, rigidity, extreme slowness of movement, and stooped posture. It is characterized pathologically by loss of dopamine in the substantia nigra.
Last updated: Jun 01, 2008
|
 |
|
|
