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As some of you know, I do a lot of reading about PD. Sometimes I encounter statements that are puzzling. I know this isn't a technical forum, but I also know there are some professionals out there who might have answers. These don't concern me personally, I'm just curious: 1. I read that Sinemet is not absorbed from the lumen, but only the gut below the pylorus, therefore should be taken on an empty stomach, half an hour or more before meals. What then is the rationale for Sinemet CR, how does it stay a long time where it can be absorbed slowly? What is the effect of food on Sinemet CR? 2. I read that various experimental treatments, including transplant, are confirmed by PET scan. Now the PET scan works only with the aid of a radioactive fluorine atom as a marker (FluoroDopa). Since the marker is present only in externally supplied dopamine, and not in dopamine produced naturally, how can the PET scan show, for instance, that grafted cells are alive and producing natural dopamine? If answers are short enough to be posted here I would be grateful. Cheers, Joe J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks CA 91403