[Effects of difenin on experimental parkinsonian syndrome]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of difenin on parkinsonian syndrome and the generator of pathologically enhanced excitation (GPEE) in the caudata nuclei (CN). Repeated i. p. administration of MPTP in 12 month rats induced oligokinesis and rigidity followed by the high amplitude slow and rapid waves in the CN and in sensorimotor cortex (SC). The changes of the electrical activity in the CN were more prominent then in SC. I.p. injection of difenin (20 mg/kg) resulted in an increase of motor activity and decrease of rigidity in rats. The reduction of extrapyramidal symptoms were correlated with at the inhibition of GPEE in the CN. These data suggest that difenin can be a part of the complex pathogenetic therapy of parkinsonian syndrome.