Influences of levodopa on adipose tissue and skeletal muscle metabolism in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Objective: The substantial weight loss in Parkinson's patients may be related to direct influences of levodopa treatment on fat mobilization/oxidation. We assessed systemic and local metabolic responses to levodopa/benserazide in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Methods: We studied 10 Parkinson's disease patients and examined adipose tissue and skeletal muscle metabolism directly with microdialysis.