Effect of ethosuximide on rest tremor in the MPTP monkey model

Mov Disord. 1992;7(2):137-41. doi: 10.1002/mds.870070207.

Abstract

Based on the hypothesis that low-threshold calcium conductance in the thalamus might be involved in the pathophysiology of parkinsonian tremor, ethosuximide was given chronically to a monkey previously treated with MPTP and displaying exceptionally a typical rest tremor. After 5 days of daily treatment, the tremor was reduced by 60%. Diltiazem and verapamil which act on different calcium channels had no such effect. Ethosuximide also potentiated the anti-tremor effect of the dopamine D2 agonist LY-171555.

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Animals
  • Diltiazem / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electromyography / drug effects
  • Ergolines / administration & dosage
  • Ethosuximide / administration & dosage*
  • Ethosuximide / toxicity
  • Female
  • Macaca fascicularis
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / drug therapy*
  • Quinpirole
  • Tremor / chemically induced
  • Tremor / drug therapy
  • Verapamil / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Dopamine Agents
  • Ergolines
  • Quinpirole
  • Ethosuximide
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Verapamil
  • Diltiazem