dihydroergotoxine and Tremor

Monkeys, intravenously administered with MPTP at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days, develop a severe Parkinson-like syndrome. Cholinergic enzyme activities are increased in the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) and into a lesser extent in the external globus pallidus (GPe). Cholinergic activities are not significantly affected in the caudate and putamen nor in the frontal, parietotemporal, occipital cortices and in the cerebellum. The treatment of the animals twice daily for 2 weeks with dihydro-alpha-ergocryptine (DEK) starting 5 days before the first MPTP administration counteracts the neurotoxin-induced alteration in the internal pallidum and ameliorates some motor related parkinsonian symptoms.

Topics: 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; Acetylcholinesterase; Animals; Brain; Choline O-Acetyltransferase; Dihydroergotoxine; Globus Pallidus; Macaca fascicularis; Male; Motor Activity; MPTP Poisoning; Organ Specificity; Parkinson Disease, Secondary; Posture; Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex; Time Factors; Tremor

Harmaline and ibogaine i.v. administration induced in the photosensitive baboon restlesness and tremor (8-12 Hz). The former increased the EEG frequency particularly in central regions with appearance of bursts at 20-24 c/s and blocked by somatic movement. The latter produced a slight enhancement of frontal fast rhythms. Both drugs blocked the spontaneous paroxysmal activity with little effect on photosensitivity. These effects lasted for 2-4 hrs. Vincamine produced agitation during 15 min. post-i.v.-administration and showed an "hypervigilant" EEG. Nor vincamine or Hydergine altered the degree of photosensitivity. Cerebellar involvement in the action of harmaline and ibogaïne is discussed.

Topics: Alkaloids; Animals; Cerebral Cortex; Dihydroergotoxine; Haplorhini; Harmaline; Ibogaine; Papio; Photosensitivity Disorders; Seizures; Tremor; Vinca Alkaloids