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Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

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  • Title: An active transport system in the blood-brain barrier may reduce levodopa availability.
    Author: Hawkins RA, Mokashi A, Simpson IA.
    Journal: Exp Neurol; 2005 Sep; 195(1):267-71. PubMed ID: 15925365.
    Abstract:
    Levodopa, the primary drug used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease, is transported into the brain by the facilitative amino acid transporter (L1). We present here an unanticipated discovery: levodopa may be pumped out of the brain by a Na(+)-dependent transport system that couples the naturally occurring Na(+) gradient existing between the brain's extracellular fluid and the cytoplasm of capillary endothelial cells. The activity of this system reduces the net availability of levodopa.
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