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Duloxetine increases the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Author(s) -
Nishijima Haruo,
Ueno Tatsuya,
Ueno Shinya,
Tomiyama Masahiko
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
neurology and clinical neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
0ISSN - 2049-4173
DOI - 10.1111/ncn3.12051
Subject(s) - duloxetine , levodopa , medicine , parkinson's disease , serotonergic , dopaminergic , dyskinesia , dopamine , reuptake inhibitor , serotonin , reuptake , duloxetine hydrochloride , serotonin reuptake inhibitor , endocrinology , anesthesia , pharmacology , disease , pathology , alternative medicine , receptor
Background In patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems act as surrogates for the failing dopaminergic system. Treatment with a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor might help maintain levodopa‐derived dopamine levels in the dopamine‐denervated striatum. However, clinical utility of a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor for treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease is not yet clear. Aim To investigate whether pretreatment with duloxetine, one of the serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, has any impact on the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Methods We used 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned hemiparkinsonian rats. One group received duloxetine for 5 days and the other group received the same dose of saline. Levodopa was injected into each rat 6 h after the last administration of duloxetine or saline. An abnormal involuntary movement score was measured every 20 min during the 3‐h period after the injection of levodopa. Results Levodopa‐induced abnormal involuntary movement was significantly enhanced in duloxetine‐treated rats when compared with saline‐treated rats. Conclusion Duloxetine appears to increase the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, although it might increase the risk of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.