Ropinirole is a nonergoline dopamine agonist. used in the management in early and late Parkinson's disease. Ropinirole has a high affinity for and stimulates the post-synaptic dopamine receptors D2 in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The dopamine receptors (D2) are g-protein-coupled inhibitory neurons predominantly in the striatonigral, mesolimbic, and tuberoinfundibular systems. They inhibit adenylyl cyclase and calcium (Ca2+) channels and activate potassium channels leading to their physiological functions. The exact mechanism of action of ropinirole as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease is unknown, however, it is believed to be related to its ability to selectively stimulate dopamine D2 receptors within the caudate-putamen system in the brain. This system affects body movement. Negligible affinity is seen for ropinirole at α2 adrenoreceptors in the periphery and 5HT-1 receptor. Ropinirole has no affinity at the D1-like receptors, benzodiazepine or GABA receptors

Ropinirole Mechanism of Action Pathway References