Final answer:
L-DOPA is a key treatment for Parkinson's disease, aimed at compensating for lost dopaminergic neurons by increasing dopamine neurotransmission. Over time, effectiveness may wane and side effects can occur, prompting the search for better treatment strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
L-DOPA is commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. This leads to symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. The administration of L-DOPA, a dopamine precursor, aids in replenishing dopamine levels in the brain, as it can cross the blood-brain barrier and be converted to dopamine by the remaining neurons. Over time, however, patients may become less responsive to L-DOPA and there is a risk of potential side effects, such as increased dopamine levels leading to psychosis. Drug developers seek alternative treatments that focus on specific receptor subunits or mechanisms to alleviate both motor and non-motor symptoms with fewer side effects.