Definition: A drug is an agonist if it attaches itself to a cell in such a way as to make it act or work as it usually acts when it is normally stimulated by chemicals within the body or brain. In the case of Parkinson's disease and agonist (like bromocriptine) stimulates a specific
neurochemical cell or receptor to produce more of its natural product (dopamine). See dopamine agonist.
Agonist
From Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., former About.com Guide
Updated: February 03, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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