[Method of treating parkinsonism with metamizil in combination with galanthamine (clinico-experimental basis)]

Using experimental models of parkinsonism, imitating the hypertonus of the parasympathetic system (hypokinesia, rigidity and tremor) following the intraperitoneal injection of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galanthamin (15 mg/kg) to mice, the authors showed that the m-cholinoblocker metamisyl (2 mg/kg) blocks all manifestations of the CNS parasympathetic hypertonus whereas the n-cholinoblocker eterofen (30 mg/kg) increases them. Based on the theory developed by the authors as to the reciprocity of interaction between the m- and n-cholinergic mechanisms within the framework of the single cholinergic system of the body, they offered the treatment of parkinsonism by the combined use of metamisyl (1-2 mg) and galanthamin (5-10 mg). Forty-five patients were treated with metamisyl alone and 40 patients with metamisyl coupled with galanthamin. The latter method of treatment proved to be more effective. The patients responded to the treatment immediately. It lasted 2-4 weeks. The follow-up showed that in some patients, the effect of the treatment stabilized and persisted for 4 weeks to 12 months without the use of the antiparkinsonian drugs. The authors emphasize that in cases of parkinsonism it is necessary to study and take into account the nature of changes in both intersystemic mediator interaction (between ACh and NA, ACh and D, ACh and 5-HT, etc.) and the intrasystemic one (between m- and n-cholino, alpha- and beta-adreno, D1 and D2, 5-HT1 and 5-HT2-ergic mechanisms).