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ex-Member
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 110
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ex-Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 110
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ibken
DD, what was that about the enzymes regarding dopamine use? I'm bio-chemically ignorant - but curious. Can you explain - or direct me to info? Thanks. Ibby
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An enzyme is a chemical that enables a chemical reaction to take place in the body. Given that there are thousands of chemical reactions taking place in the body, enzymes are what keep people functioning properly.
Dopamine is made via the following means :
L-tyrosine >>> L-dopa >>> dopamine
One enzyme turns L-tyrosine in to L-dopa
A second enzyme turns L-dopa in to dopamine
It was these two enzymes that were found to be deficient in idiopathic Parkinson's Disease. Their activity in Parkinson's Disease drops to about 10% (in severe cases) and 30% (in milder cases) of what they should be. As they don't work properly, people don't produce enough dopamine.
It is loss of cell activity that is the problem. The cells are there. They just aren't working at a fast enough rate.
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