L-dopa

[el-doh-puh]

noun

1. Pharmacology.,  levodopa.

L-dopa

/ ɛlˈdəʊpə /

noun

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

L-dopa

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