title: Effects of riluzole on cortical excitability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
abstract: Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, the effect of riluzole (RLZ) on cortical excitability was studied in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Paired-pulse inhibition (PPI) and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) were reduced. RLZ partially restored deficient PPI in the first of 4 consecutive 3-month periods of testing, but left PPF unchanged. These findings substantiate the view that attenuation of glutamate-related excitotoxicity is an important factor contributing to the beneficial effect of RLZ in ALS.
authors: Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Germany.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Stefan
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Kunesch
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Benecke
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Classen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D019782:Riluzole / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D019782:Riluzole