title: A controlled trial of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan for ataxia in progressive myoclonus epilepsy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Pranzatelli
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tate
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Galvan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wheeler
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan