dironyl and Huntington-Disease

trans-Dihydrolisuride, a partial dopamine receptor agonist, was tested for its effects on chorea in a double-blind, crossover clinical study in 10 patients with Huntington's disease. In eight patients, a neurophysiological evaluation was also performed. No reduction in choreic movements or improvement in voluntary movement performance was observed. However, in some patients, there was a slight improvement in patients' alertness and a reduction of the movement reaction time.

Topics: Adult; Affect; Aged; Awareness; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dopamine Agents; Double-Blind Method; Ergolines; Female; Humans; Huntington Disease; Lisuride; Male; Middle Aged

Transdihydrolisuride is an ergot derivative with mixed agonist and antagonist effects on central dopamine receptors. We gave the drug orally (1 mg daily) to 10 patients with Huntington's disease. In seven patients, the chorea improved with no adverse effects during the study.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Ergolines; Female; Humans; Huntington Disease; Lisuride; Male; Mental Processes; Middle Aged; Movement Disorders; Neuropsychological Tests; Random Allocation; Receptors, Dopamine; Time Factors