Dopaminergic therapy improves upper limb motor performance in aged rhesus monkeys.

Grondin, R; Zhang, Z; Gerhardt, G A; Gash, D M · Ann Neurol · 2000

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The potential of dopaminergic treatments to improve upper limb motor movements was tested in 7 aged rhesus monkeys using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) or the selective dopamine uptake inhibitor 1-2(bis[4-fluorophenyl] methoxy]ethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl) piperazine hydrochloride (GBR-12909). Six young monkeys were studied for comparison. L-Dopa or GBR-12909 improved upper limb motor performance by up to 40% in the aged animals. At this point their performance was comparable to that of young adults. Dopaminergic therapy could be useful in elderly humans experiencing declines in upper limb motor functions.

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