Redox delivery system for brain-specific, sustained release of dopamine.

Dopamine was transformed into a redox chemical system for delivery to the brain. The lipoidal form allowed penetration of the blood-brain barrier. Oxidative and hydrolytic processes then transformed the delivery form into a quaternary ammonium precursor of dopamine. The quaternary ammonium precursor was rapidly eliminated from the general circulation, whereas that formed in the brain was locked in, thereby providing a significant and sustained brain-specific dopaminergic activity.