Effects of (±)-Idazoxan Alone and in Combination with L-DOPA Methyl Ester in MPTP-Induced Hemiparkinsonian Monkeys

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Abstract
The effects of a combination of the f 2 -adrenergic receptor antagonist ( - )-idazoxan with L-DOPA methyl ester were examined in three of four female adult monkeys ( Macaca nemestrina ) rendered hemiparkinsonian with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). ( - )-Idazoxan (0.16, 0.63, and 1.0 mg/kg) was given i.m. 10 min before L-DOPA methyl ester (12.5 mg/kg). ( - )-Idazoxan reduced the maximum peak of contralateral circling elicited during the first hour following injection of L-DOPA methyl ester, but prolonged the duration of the circling response up to 50% ( p < 0.05). The data support a role for f 2 -adrenergic receptor mechanisms in modulating the effects of L-DOPA on nigrostriatal dopamine function in the MPTP monkey model of hemiparkinsonism.