Idazoxan, an alpha-2 antagonist, and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Abstract

Dyskinesia is a frequent and disabling side effect in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with chronic dopa-therapy. Preclinical data in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6,-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) monkey suggest that alpha-2 antagonists may reduce dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia. We assessed, in a pilot randomised placebo-controlled study, the effects of single oral doses (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg) of idazoxan, an alpha-2 antagonist, on motor parkinsonian disability and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia following an acute oral challenge of L-DOPA in 18 patients with Parkinson's disease. The severity of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia improved after 20 mg idazoxan pretreatment, while there was no concommittant deterioration in the antiparkinsonian response to L-DOPA. These results suggest that blocking alpha-2 receptors in patients with Parkinson's disease might improve L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia without the cost of a return of parkinsonian symptomatology. Further studies are required to assess whether this property could have potential therapeutic applications in the long-term management of dyskinetic patients with Parkinson's disease.

• Authors: O Rascol, I Arnulf, H Peyro-Saint Paul, C Brefel-Courbon, M Vidailhet, C Thalamas, A M Bonnet, S Descombes, B Bejjani, N Fabre, J L Montastruc, Y Agid
• Journal: Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society (Mov Disord) Vol. 16 Issue 4 Pg. 708-13 (Jul 2001) ISSN: 0885-3185 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11481696 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 Movement Disorder Society.

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
• Antiparkinson Agents
• Levodopa
• Idazoxan

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Aged
• Antiparkinson Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Idazoxan (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Levodopa (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neurologic Examination (drug effects)
• Parkinson Disease (drug therapy)
• Pilot Projects