Alistair-- my own "working definition" of dopamine agonist is that it is a
med which works WITH or imitaite the action of dopamine, as opposed to an
ANTAGONIST which works AGAINST the dopamine . For example, opiates are
"dopamine antagonists" which as I understand it compete with the dopamine
for the receptors in the brain. Correction anyone???
SNIPPED
>My dictionary defines " agonist " as " one engaged in the struggle "
>. Can "dopamine agonist " be used of a substance that boosts the
>dopamine effect ( Like suppressing the MAO B that destroys the
>dopamine ) ? Can it be used of a substance
>that substitutes for/mimics dopamine ?
>I am far from certain that I am the only person for whom " dopamine
>agonist " is too vague to have any real meaning ,except that it
>appears to help the dopamine neural transmission pathways of the
>brain , in some vague and undefined way . This seems to include
>all/most PD medication .
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 80/9
Oxford, OH
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