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As I understand it, dopamine acts to inhibit those neural circuits that are stimulated (activated) by acetylcholine, for example those which produce motion. In a healthy person, a complex system keeps the two neurotransmitters in balance. In PD, where dopamine is missing, acetylcholine is too active, causing such symptoms as tremor. Older PD drugs such as Artane are anticholinergics, taken to restore the balance. Newer drugs do likewise by either replenishing or mimicking dopamine. Surgical treatment such as pallidotomy, thalamotomy, and DBS disrupt the same circuits, just as the missing dopamine should do. Therefore, surgery = less need for dopamine replacement. Next question? Joe Ivan M Suzman wrote: > I am finding myself asking a fundamental PD question. -- J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-5013