What is the mechanism of Selegiline hydrochloride tablets (Selegiline) in treating Parkinson’s disease?

Selegiline hydrochloride tablets (Selegiline) is an irreversible MAO inhibitor (MAOI). The MAO enzyme is responsible for catabolizing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Blocking the function of these enzymes will inhibit the reuptake of these neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in increased levels of bioactive monoamines in the synaptic cleft. At lower doses, selegiline hydrochloride tablets exhibit selective inhibitory effects on monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B). Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, leading to dopamine depletion in the striatum. Therefore, treatments for Parkinson's disease aim to selectively inhibit MAO-B, which is primarily responsible for metabolizing dopamine.

In contrast, selective inhibition of MAO-B is not a desired outcome when using selegiline hydrochloride tablets to treat adults with MDD. The effective mechanism of action of selegiline hydrochloride tablets in the treatment of MDD is attributed to its inhibition of isoenzymes MAO-A and MAO-B. The monoamine hypothesis of depression proposes that the pathophysiological basis of depression involves depletion of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the central nervous system. Since the targeted outcome of treating MDD involves increasing levels of all 3 monoamine neurotransmitters, non-selective inhibition of both MAO isoforms is preferred.

Like many psychotropic drugs, the complete mechanism of action of selegiline hydrochloride tablets is not fully understood. Although the above mechanisms are widely accepted, other proposed mechanisms may contribute to the clinical efficacy of selegiline hydrochloride. One hypothesis suggests that metabolites of selegiline hydrochloride, including amphetamines, may play a role in its mechanism of action by enhancing the release of monoamine neurotransmitters.

In addition, selegiline hydrochloride tablets can exert a neuroprotective effect by promoting the production of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor and glial cell line-derived nerve growth factor, potentially slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease. These neurotrophic factors play a crucial role in protecting neurons from the effects of inflammatory processes. The induction and activation of multiple anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic factors by selegiline hydrochloride may help protect healthy brain tissue.

Selegiline Hydrochloride TabletsThe original drug has been launched in China and has entered the scope of Class B medical insurance. The common price per box may be around around RMB 1,000. The price of Selegiline Hydrochloride Tabletsgeneric drugs currently sold overseas is cheaper, and its pharmaceutical ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drug. The price of 5mg*100 tablets per box may be several hundred RMB (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). For more specific prices and drug information, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.