Apomorphine (CED0002785)

Apomorphine belongs to the aporphines, a class of alkaloids and derivatives within the organic compounds. This exogenous solid has the chemical formula C17H17NO2 and an average molecular weight of 267.32 g/mol. Recorded exposure routes for the compound include sublingual and subcutaneous administration. The compound is associated with 11 recorded sources, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals and veterinary products such as dopaminergic agents and urologicals. Other sources include food preservation within food and food processing and cookware, perfumes within detergents and soaps, and various household cleaning and consumer products including cigar cigarettes and non electric simulated smoking devices. It is also found in electrical and electronic equipment, specifically television systems, electrodes, electrically stimulated smoking devices, electric hearing aids, and antennas. Apomorphine interacts with 25 recorded protein targets, including the D(1A), D(2), D(3), and D(4) dopamine receptors, as well as the alpha-2B and alpha-2C adrenergic receptors and the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors 1A and 2C. While the precise mechanism of action for its use in treating Parkinson's disease is unknown, it is believed to result from the stimulation of post-synaptic dopamine D2-type receptors in the brain. In an animal model of Parkinson's disease, apomorphine has been shown to improve motor function, specifically attenuating motor deficits induced by lesions in the ascending nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway caused by the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine.