L-dopa

[ el-doh-puh ]

noun

1. Pharmacology. levodopa.

L-dopa

/ ɛlˈdəʊpə /

noun

1. a substance occurring naturally in the body and used to treat Parkinson's disease. Formula: C 9 H 11 NO 4 Also calledlevodopa

L-dopa

/ ĕl-dō′pə /

1. An amino acid that is the metabolic precursor of dopamine, is converted in the brain to dopamine, and is used in synthetic form to treat Parkinson's disease. Chemical formula: C 9 H 11 NO 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of L-dopa¹

C20: from L-d ( ihydr ) o ( xy ) p ( henyl ) a ( lanine )

Example Sentences

In one condition, the release of dopamine was pharmacologically increased by L-dopa, a precursor of dopamine.

From Science Daily

Blossoming, because the people have been “awakened” from the long-lingering effects of encephalitis lethargica — the “sleeping sickness” — by the miracle drug L-dopa, which Sacks administers to them experimentally.

From New York Times

When it enters the brain, L-dopa is converted into dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is in short supply in Parkinson's patients.

From Scientific American

A doctor tries the drug L-dopa on an immobile man and others like him in 1969 New York.

From Los Angeles Times

Parkinson’s patients are often commonly treated with the medication L-dopa, which comes from the plant Mucuna pruriens.

From Washington Post