title: Effect on weakness and spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of thyrotropin-releasing hormone.
abstract: Very high intravenous doses (2-19 mg/min) of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, L-pyroglutamyl-L-histidyl-L-prolinamide) given to 12 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) produced a moderate to marked improvement of functions caused by deficiency of lower motor neurons (weakness) and upper motor neurons (spasticity). The improvement was sustained throughout the infusion and for about 1 h thereafter; sometimes a slight improvement was evident 20 h after infusion. At a given dose benefits and side-effects were more evident in men than in women. Whether TRH is replacing an ALS-associated deficiency or is simply a symptomatic treatment is unknown. The results of this study raise the possibility of a treatment for ALS, and may provide new insight into its pathogenesis. The potential response to TRH of spasticity and/or lower motor neuron involvement of other causes is proposed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy; D012737:Sex Factors; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone