dopamine-receptor agonist

any drug or other agent that binds to and directly activates dopamine receptors, producing physiological effects that mimic those of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Bromocriptine is an example. Because parkinsonism is associated with a deficiency of dopamine in the brain, drugs that help to maintain adequate levels of dopamine are valuable in treating the disorder. Dopamine-receptor agonists are used to manage some of the drug-induced parkinsonian symptoms associated with use of antipsychotic drugs; they are also used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, galactorrhea, and prolactin-secreting tumors of the pituitary gland. Also called dopaminergic agent.

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Psychology term of the day

January 23rd 2025

intrinsic activity

1. the magnitude of a response to a drug regardless of dosage.

2. a measure of the efficacy of a drug-receptor complex in producing a pharmacological effect. Also called intrinsic efficacy.

3. the inborn readiness of babies to be inquisitive and to make contact with their environment. According to Jean Piaget, cognitive structures, by their very nature, seek to be active, predisposing the child to learn from experience with the environment.