The Sound of Evolution
Pramipexole
Mechanism of action:
Pramipexole is a non-ergot dopamine receptor agonist. It primarily activates dopamine D₃ receptors, which are distributed in the ventral striatum, especially the nucleus accumbens. It also activates D₂ receptors in the striatum and hypothalamus. D₂ and D₃ receptors are Gi protein-coupled receptors, and their activation inhibits adenylate cyclase, lowers cAMP levels, and modulates abnormal neuronal firing and motor control circuits in Parkinson's disease.
Reference(s):
1. Mierau J et al. (1995). Pramipexole binding and activation of cloned and expressed dopamine D2, D3 and D4 receptors. Eur J Pharmacol.
2. Massano J et al. (2012). Clinical approach to Parkinson's disease: features, diagnosis, and principles of management. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.