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. 1987;70(3-4):233-40.
doi: 10.1007/BF01253600.

Potentiation of central effects of L-dopa by an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase

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Potentiation of central effects of L-dopa by an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase

J Nuutila et al. J Neural Transm. 1987.

Abstract

The effects of a COMT-inhibitor, U-0521, and a MAO-B-inhibitor, 1-deprenyl, on L-dopa-induced circling behaviour were compared in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. The actions of U-0521 and 1-deprenyl on the anti-cataleptic effect of L-dopa were also studied. Both U-0521 and 1-deprenyl were found to potentiate L-dopa-induced circling behaviour and anti-cataleptic effect of L-dopa. In both test systems the L-dopa potentiation of 1-deprenyl was longer-lasting than that caused by U-0521. Thus inhibition of COMT, like inhibition of MAO, is able to enhance the central effects of L-dopa. This principle might be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease especially if COMT-inhibitors with greater performance can be developed.

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