It secretes melatonin which aids in sleep 21. Right Cortex d. Explain how chronic cocaine abuse might increase the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. This results in a high molar concentration of dopamine acting upon its receptor, causing the receptor to become downregulated. The loss of receptors makes L-dopa ineffective since it can no longer be made into dopamine.
Cocaine acts as a dopaminergic agonist, supersensitizing dopamine neurons.
This supersensitivity causes an increase in receptor number which can then produce more toxins causing dopaminergic neurons to die. This cell death can cause tremors and rigidity of movement, like Parkinson's disease. Cocaine interferes with the regulation of the dopamine transporter, stimulating the release of dopamine by having the transporter act in reverse. 2 O 2 is produced, and this compound in high concentrations is toxic to neurons. It attacks it prey, showing no mercy, like Parkinson's disease.