Bromocriptine, physostigmine, and neurotransmitter mechanisms in the dystonias.

Abstract

We studied eight patients with different types of dystonia by administering agonists and antagonists of acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA). In all seven patients who received physostigmine, there was an exacerbation of the dystonia. All six patients who received anticholinergic agents improved, as did five of eight who received bromocriptine. Neuroleptics worsened symptoms in four patients with generalized dystonia and improved symptoms in one patient with Meige syndrome. Our results suggest that DA-ACh imbalance may underlie the pathophysiology of dystonia in some patients and that bromocriptine may be effective in treating these patients.

• Authors: S M Stahl, P A Berger
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 32 Issue 8 Pg. 889-92 (Aug 1982) ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6124899 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Neurotransmitter Agents
• Receptors, Cholinergic
• Receptors, Dopamine
• Bromocriptine
• Physostigmine
• Haloperidol

Topics

• Adult
• Bromocriptine (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Dystonia (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Female
• Haloperidol (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neurotransmitter Agents (physiology)
• Physostigmine (pharmacology)
• Receptors, Cholinergic
• Receptors, Dopamine (drug effects)
• Torticollis (drug therapy)