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Summary
(-)Deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, showed limited benefits for parkinsonism in a small trial. Side effects like euphoria and insomnia were noted, with mixed results on clinical scores.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- (-)Deprenyl is a selective monoamine oxidase subtype B inhibitor (MAOI-B).
- It has been suggested as a beneficial adjunct therapy for parkinsonism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clinically compare (-)deprenyl with placebo in patients with parkinsonism.
- To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of 10 mg daily (-)deprenyl over 4 weeks.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
- Involved 11 patients with parkinsonism.
- Assessed clinical scores for parkinsonian deficits and biochemical markers.
Main Results:
- Clinical scores improved in 4 patients, deteriorated in 5, and remained unchanged in 1.
- Two patients did not complete the study.
- (-)Deprenyl induced euphoria and insomnia.
- Significant decrease in plasma epinephrine and platelet MAO activity observed.
Conclusions:
- The therapeutic advantages of (-)deprenyl in parkinsonism appear limited.
- Observed mood elevation (euphoria) may outweigh clinical benefits.
- No significant increase in catecholamine concentrations was detected.