Effect of ritanserin, a highly selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, on Parkinson's disease.
There is both experimental and clinical evidence to suggest a role for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in Parkinson's disease. The effect of ritanserin, a highly selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, on Parkinsonian symptomatology was investigated in 10 patients in a single-blind placebo-controlled study. Akinesia and gait improved significantly in a dose-dependent manner in 5 and 7 patients respectively. However there was no significant improvement in tremor. The effects of ritanserin on akinesia and gait are consistent with a role for 5-HT in Parkinson's disease.
Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, N.S.W.
J
J
Henderson
C
C
Yiannikas
J S
JS
Graham
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016713:Ritanserin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D014202:Tremor / Q000503:physiopathology
D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D016713:Ritanserin