A controlled trial of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan for ataxia in progressive myoclonus epilepsy.
To study the role of serotonin in the ataxia of progressive myoclonus epilepsy, eight patients received oral 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (L-5-HTP) or placebo plus carbidopa for 1 month in a controlled, double-blinded, dose-ranging, cross-over, add-on study. Ataxia was evaluated using objective and subjective scales. All of the subjects had significantly slower motor performance on timed, repetitive tasks than controls and had moderately severe ataxia. L-5-HTP was not efficacious for ataxia or speed of motor performance. Serotonergic drugs that work through mechanisms different than L-5-HTP may be more effective in correcting the abnormal serotonergic neurotransmission suggested by reduction of serotonin metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with progressive myoclonus epilepsy.
Pranzatelli
M R
MR
Department of Pharmacology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Tate
E
E
Galvan
I
I
Wheeler
A
A
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001259:Ataxia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004831:Epilepsies, Myoclonic / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan