N-acetyl-L-methionyl-L-Dopa-methyl ester as a dual acting drug that relieves L-Dopa-induced oxidative toxicity.

Initiation and progression of Parkinson's disease seem to be linked to oxidative stress, closely related to decreased mitochondrial functions and ubiquitin proteasome system dysfunction. To date, L-Dopa is the most effective medication , although long-term treatment can enhance oxidative stress and accelerate the degenerative process of residual cells. Therefore the inhibition of oxidation of L-Dopa/dopamine and the inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation are important strategies for neuroprotective therapy.

A(1) and A(3) adenosine receptors alter glutathione status in an organ-specific manner and influence the changes after inhibition of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase.

Adenosine levels are increased in stress and act as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mediators by binding to 4 G-protein-coupled receptors. Using genetically modified mice lacking A(1) and A(3) adenosine receptors, treated with ip buthionine-[S,R]-sulphoximine injections to inhibit gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase, the question was addressed whether these receptors modulate the responses to the stress related to altered glutathione levels. This study determined organ glutathione levels and expression of two sub-units of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase and the cationic x(c)-transporter and found that deletion of one or both adenosine receptors influenced the responses in an organ-specific manner.