Dopa (Noun)
Meaning
Amino acid that is formed in the liver and converted into dopamine in the brain.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- L-DOPA is an amino acid that is formed in the liver and plays a critical role in the production of dopamine in the brain.
- Researchers studied the effects of L-DOPA on dopamine levels in patients with Parkinson's disease.
- The conversion of L-DOPA into dopamine is a crucial step in regulating the body's reward and pleasure centers.
- L-DOPA is then transported across the blood-brain barrier and converted into dopamine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.
- Increasing L-DOPA levels in the brain can help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease by boosting dopamine production.