Istradefylline
Encyclopedia
Istradefylline is an antagonist
at the A2A receptor
. It has been found to be useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
. Istradefylline reduces dyskinesia
resulting from long-term treatment with classical antiparkinson drug
s such as levodopa
. Istradefylline is an analog of caffeine
.
Receptor antagonist
A receptor antagonist is a type of receptor ligand or drug that does not provoke a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor, but blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses...
at the A2A receptor
Adenosine A2A receptor
The adenosine A2A receptor, also known as ADORA2A, is an adenosine receptor, but also denotes the human gene encoding it.-Structure:This protein is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family which possess seven transmembrane alpha helices...
. It has been found to be useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system...
. Istradefylline reduces dyskinesia
Dyskinesia
Dyskinesia is a movement disorder which consists of effects including diminished voluntary movements and the presence of involuntary movements, similar to tics or choreia. Dyskinesia can be anything from a slight tremor of the hands to uncontrollable movement of, most commonly, the upper body but...
resulting from long-term treatment with classical antiparkinson drug
Antiparkinson drug
An antiparkinson, or antiparkinsonian, is a type of drug which is intended to treat and relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism...
s such as levodopa
Levodopa
L-DOPA is a chemical that is made and used as part of the normal biology of some animals and plants. Some animals including humans make it via biosynthesis from the amino acid L-tyrosine. L-DOPA is the precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine , and epinephrine collectively...
. Istradefylline is an analog of caffeine
Caffeine
Caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a stimulant drug. Caffeine is found in varying quantities in the seeds, leaves, and fruit of some plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects feeding on the plants...
.