Levodopa induces dyskinesias in normal squirrel monkeys.

Togasaki, D M; Tan, L; Protell, P; Di Monte, D A; Quik, M; Langston, J W · Ann Neurol · 2001

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

This study assessed whether or not levodopa induces dyskinesias in normal (ie, unlesioned) squirrel monkeys. All six animals treated twice daily with levodopa (15 mg/kg with carbidopa by oral gavage) for two weeks developed choreoathetoid dyskinesias, whereas none of the vehicle-treated animals displayed any abnormal movements. These dyskinesias did not merely reflect a generalized motor activation as locomotion was actually suppressed. The present data demonstrate that preexisting nigrostriatal damage is not necessary for the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias.

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