Coumarin analogue 3-methyl-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one as a possible antiparkinsonian agent / El análogo de cumarina 3-metil-7H-furo[3,2-g]cromen-7-ona, un posible agente antiparkinsoniano

Abstract Introduction: Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors are used in the treatment of this disease concomitantly with levodopa or as monotherapy. Several substituted coumarins have shown activity as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B. Objective: To evaluate the possible antiparkinsonian effects of the coumarin analogue FCS005 (3-methyl-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one) in mouse models, as well as its inhibitory activity towards monoamine oxidases (MAO) and its antioxidant activity. Materials and methods: FCS005 was synthesized and the reversal of hypokinesia was evaluated in the reserpine and levodopa models. Moreover, in the haloperidol model, its anticataleptic effects were evaluated. Additionally, the monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of FCS005 were evaluated using in vitro and ex vivo studies, respectively. Results: FCS005 (100 mg/kg) caused the reversal of hypokinesia in the reserpine and levodopa models. This furocoumarin also presented anti-cataleptic effects at the same dose. Besides, it showed selective inhibitory activity towards the MAO-B isoform and antioxidant activity. Conclusion: These results attribute interesting properties to the compound FCS005. It is important to continue research on this molecule considering that it could be a potential antiparkinsonian agent.

Resumen Introducción. El segundo trastorno neurodegenerativo más común es la enfermedad de Parkinson. Los inhibidores de la monoamino oxidasa B se emplean en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad en monoterapia o concomitantemente con levodopa. Varios compuestos cumarínicos han mostrado actividad como inhibidores de la monoamino oxidasa B. Objetivo. Evaluar los posibles efectos antiparkinsonianos del análogo de la cumarina FCS005 (3-methyl-7H-furo [3,2-g ] chromen-7-one) en modelos de ratones, la actividad inhibitoria frente a las monoamino oxidasas (MAO) y la actividad antioxidante. Materiales y métodos. Se sintetizó la furanocumarina FCS005 y, en los modelos de reserpina y levodopa, se evaluó si producía reversión de la hipocinesia; en el modelo de haloperidol se evaluaron sus efectos anticatalépticos. Además, se evaluó in vitro la actividad inhibidora de MAO y, ex vivo, la actividad antioxidante del compuesto FCS005. Resultados. El compuesto FCS005 en dosis de 100 mg/kg produjo la remisión de la hipocinesia en los modelos de reserpina y de levodopa. Esta furanocumarina presentó efectos anticatalépticos con la misma dosis. Además, mostró tener actividad inhibitoria selectiva sobre la MAO B, así como efectos antioxidantes. Conclusión. Los resultados evidenciaron propiedades interesantes del compuesto FCS005. Es importante continuar investigando esta molécula porque puede ser un potencial agente antiparkinsoniano.

Effect of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists on motor disorders induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in rat

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of adenosine A2A receptors on 6-OHDA-induced motor disorder in rat. METHODS: In order to induce experimental model of Parkinson's disease, 6-hydoxydopamine (8 μg/rat) was injected unilaterally into the SNc. After three weeks as a recovery period, 6-OHDA-induced bradykinesia and balance disturbances were assessed by using beam traversal test 10, 30 and 60 minutes after intraperitoneal injections of the drugs (caffeine, SCH58261). RESULTS: The results showed that 6-OHDA (8 μg/rat, Intra-SNc) induced motor disorders of Parkinson's disease and increased elapsed time in the beam test (p<0.001). Injection of caffeine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and SCH58261 (2 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated elapsed time on beam (p<0.01 and p<0.001). We showed that acute administration of caffeine and SCH 58261 can improve the 6-OHDA-induced bradykinesia and motor disturbance. CONCLUSION: Adenosine A2AR antagonists improve 6-OHDA-motor deficit and this effect seems to be mediated by the inhibition of A2A presynaptic receptors in substantia nigra pars compacta.

Fat gain with physical detraining is correlated with increased glucose transport and oxidation in periepididymal white adipose tissue in rats

As it is a common observation that obesity tends to occur after discontinuation of exercise, we investigated how white adipocytes isolated from the periepididymal fat of animals with interrupted physical training transport and oxidize glucose, and whether these adaptations support the weight regain seen after 4 weeks of physical detraining. Male Wistar rats (45 days old, weighing 200 g) were divided into two groups (n=10): group D (detrained), trained for 8 weeks and detrained for 4 weeks; and group S (sedentary). The physical exercise was carried out on a treadmill for 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks, at 50-60% of the maximum running capacity. After the training protocol, adipocytes isolated from the periepididymal adipose tissue were submitted to glucose uptake and oxidation tests. Adipocytes from detrained animals increased their glucose uptake capacity by 18.5% compared with those from sedentary animals (P<0.05). The same cells also showed a greater glucose oxidation capacity in response to insulin stimulation (34.55%) compared with those from the S group (P<0.05). We hypothesize that, owing to the more intense glucose entrance into adipose cells from detrained rats, more substrate became available for triacylglycerol synthesis. Furthermore, this increased glucose oxidation rate allowed an increase in energy supply for triacylglycerol synthesis. Thus, physical detraining might play a role as a possible obesogenic factor for increasing glucose uptake and oxidation by adipocytes.

Cognitive Dysfunction in Drug-induced Parkinsonism Caused by Prokinetics and Antiemetics

The use of prokinetics/antiemetics is one of the leading causes of drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) observed in neurology clinics. Cognitive dysfunction in DIP has recently been recognized, but pathologies related with cognitive dysfunction is unknown. Among our retrospective cohort of 385 consecutive parkinsonian patients enrolled in our parkinsonism registry, 14 patients were identified who satisfied our inclusion criteria: parkinsonism caused by prokinetics/antiemetics, existing T1-weighted 3D volumetric MR images, and normal [18F]-N-3-fluoropropyl-2-beta-carboxymethoxy-3-beta-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane PET scan images. For the comparison of volumetric MR data, 30 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in this study. Among 14 patients with DIP, 4 patients were diagnosed with dementia, and all other patients had mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Comparisons of MR volumetric data between DIP patients with MCI and controls show that cortical gray matter volumes are reduced bilaterally in DIP (P=0.041) without changes in either total white matter volume or total intracranial volume. Among subcortical structures, the volume of the right hippocampus is reduced in DIP patients compared with controls (P=0.011, uncorrected). In DIP, cortical thickness is reduced in the bilateral lingual (P=0.002), right fusiform (P=0.032) and part of the left lateral occipital gyri (P=0.007). Our results suggests that cognitive dysfunction in DIP caused by prokinetics/antiemetics is common. Structural changes in the brain by 3D MRI may be associated with cognitive decline in DIP.

Exposure to pesticides and heterozygote genotype of GSTP1-Alw26I are associated to Parkinson's disease / Exposição a pesticidas e genótipo heterozigoto de GSTP1-Alw26I associam-se à doença de Parkinson

Objective This study aimed to analyze the frequency of GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism and to estimate its association with toxic substances in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods A study group with 154 patients - subdivided into familial and sporadic PD groups - and 158 elderly individuals without the disease (control group) were evaluated. GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results Patients were significantly more exposed to pesticides compared with the control group (p=0.0004), and the heterozygote genotype associated to exposure to pesticides also prevailed in patients (p=0.0001). Wild homozygote genotype was related to tobacco use (p=0.043) and alcoholism (p=0.033) in familial PD patients. Conclusion Exposure to pesticides is associated to PD, whose effect can be enhanced when combined with the heterozygote genotype of GSTP1-Alw26I. Also, large genetic and environmental studies considering tobacco use, alcoholism, GSTP1 and PD are necessary to confirm our findings. .

Objetivo Analisar a frequência do polimorfismo GSTP1-Alw26I, assim como estimar sua associação com substâncias tóxicas na doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos A casuística avaliada foi composta por um grupo de estudo, com 154 pacientes, subdivididos em DP familial e esporádica, e outro com 158 idosos sem a doença (grupo controle). O polimorfismo GSTP1-Alw26I foi analisado por reação em cadeia da polimerase/polimorfismo de comprimento do fragmento de restrição (PCR/RFLP). Resultados Os pacientes foram significativamente mais expostos a pesticidas, comparados com o grupo controle (p=0,0004), e o genótipo heterozigoto associado a exposição a pesticidas também prevaleceu nos pacientes (p=0,0001). O genótipo homozigoto selvagem apresentou relação com tabagismo (p=0,043) e etilismo (p=0,033) em pacientes com DP familial. Desse modo, a exposição a pesticidas está associada à DP, cujo efeito pode ser potencializado quando combinado ao genótipo heterozigoto de GSTP1-Alw26I. Estudos genético-ambientais envolvendo tabagismo, etilismo, GSTP1 e DP devem ser realizados em casuísticas numerosas, confirmando essa associação. .

Parkinsonismo induzido por trazodona durante o tratamento de hérnia discal lombar: relato de caso / Trazodone induced parkinsonism during lumbar disc herniation treatment: case report

A utilização de medicações psicoativas vem crescendo ao longo dos anos, sendo essencial o conhecimento de seus efeitos colaterais e interações medicamentosas. O desenvolvimento de distúrbios de movimento associados ao uso dessas substâncias é uma situação bastante desconfortável para o paciente, sendo essencial o diagnóstico adequado mediante forte suspeição. Relata-se o caso de um paciente que desenvolveu sintomas de parkinsonismo durante tratamento de hérnia discal lombar na vigência do uso de trazodona. É dada ênfase aos mecanismos de produção desse fenômeno e à sua condução clínica...

The use of psychoactive medications has been growing over years, being essential the knowledge of its side effects and interactions. The development of movement disturbances is a very uncomfortable situation for the patient, requiring a high suspicion for adequate diagnosis. A case of a patient who presented symptoms of Parkinsonism during use of Trazodone in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation is reported. Emphasis is given to the biological mechanisms of this phenomenon and its clinical conduction...

Protection against neurotoxicity by an autophagic mechanism

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) on a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced cellular model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to illustrate the potential mechanism of autophagy in this process. For this purpose, rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells were treated with MPP+ (1 mM) for 24 h following pretreatment with NBP (0.1 mM). Cell metabolic viability was determined by the MTT assay and cell ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The intracellular distribution and expression of α-synuclein and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that: 1) NBP prevented MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells by promoting metabolic viability. 2) NBP induced the accumulation of autophagosomes in MPP+-treated PC12 cells. 3) Further study of the molecular mechanism demonstrated that NBP enhanced the colocalization of α-synuclein and LC3 and up-regulated the protein level of LC3-II. These results demonstrate that NBP protects PC12 cells against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity by activating autophagy-mediated α-synuclein degradation, implying that it may be a potential effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of PD.

Manganese and Parkinson's disease: a critical review and new findings / Manganês e doença de Parkinson: uma revisão crítica e novas descobertas

The goal of this review was to examine whether chronic Mn exposure produces dopamine neuron degeneration and PD or whether it has a distinct neuropathology and clinical presentation. I reviewed available clinical, neuroimaging, and neuropathological studies in humans and nonhuman primates exposed to Mn or other human conditions that result in elevated brain Mn concentrations. Human and nonhuman primate literature was examined to compare clinical, neuroimaging, and neuropathological changes associated with Mn-induced parkinsonism. Clinical, neuroimaging, and neuropathological evidence was used to examine whether Mn-induced parkinsonism involves degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system as is the case in PD. The overwhelming evidence shows that Mn-induced parkinsonism does not involve degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons and that l-dopa is not an effective therapy. New evidence is presented on a putative mechanism by which Mn may produce movement abnormalities. Confirmation of this hypothesis in humans is essential to make rational decisions about treatment, devise effective therapeutic strategies, and set regulatory guidelines.

O objetivo desta revisão foi examinar se a exposição crônica ao Mn produz degeneração do neurônio pela dopamina e DP ou se é apenas uma apresentação neuropatológica e clínica diferente. Foram revisados estudos clínicos, de neuroimagens e neuropatológicos disponíveis sobre humanos e primatas expostos ao Mn ou outras condições humanas que resultam em concentrações elevadas de Mn no cérebro. Foi examinada a literatura sobre humanos e primatas e comparadas as mudanças clínicas de neuroimagem e neuropatológicas associadas com o "parkinsonimo" induzido por Mn, envolvendo a degeneração do sistema dopaminérgico nigro-estriatal como no caso da DP. as evidências decisivas mostram que o "parkinsonismo" induzido pelo Mn não envolve a degeneração dos neurônios de dopamina do mesencéfalo e que o dopa-1 não é uma terapia eficaz. Novas evidências estão presentes em um mecanismo putativo pelo qual o Mn pode produzir anormalidades de movimento. A confirmação desta hipótese em humanos é essencial para tomar decisões adequadas sobre o tratamento, planejar estratégias terapêuticas eficazes e estabelecer guias regulatórios.

Effect of DHEA on Recovery of Muscle Atrophy Induced by Parkinson's Disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on recovery of muscle atrophy induced by Parkinson's disease. METHODS: The rat model was established by direct injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 20 microg) into the left striatum using stereotaxic surgery. Rats were divided into two groups; the Parkinson's disease group with vehicle treatment (Vehicle; n=12) or DHEA treatment group (DHEA; n=22). DHEA or vehicle was administrated intraperitoneally daily at a dose of 0.34 mmol/kg for 21 days. At 22-days after DHEA treatment, soleus, plantaris, and striatum were dissected. RESULTS: The DHEA group showed significant increase (p<.01) in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons in the lesioned side substantia nigra compared to the vehicle group. Weights and Type I fiber cross-sectional areas of the contralateral soleus of the DHEA group were significantly greater than those of the vehicle group (p=.02, p=.00). Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation significantly decreased in the lesioned striatum, but was recovered with DHEA and also in the contralateral soleus muscle, Akt and ERK phosphorylation recovered significantly and the expression level of myosin heavy chain also recovered by DHEA treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that DHEA treatment recovers Parkinson's disease induced contralateral soleus muscle atrophy through Akt and ERK phosphorylation.

Espontánea reversibilidad de un síndrome de parkinson tardío y de alteraciones cognitivas frontales; después de una intoxicación aguda con órganofosforados / Reversible parkinson syndrome and cognitive impairments due organophosphate acute poisoning

Clásicamente, la intoxicación aguda por órganofosforados produce una crisis colinérgica, que con frecuencia es continuada con un cuadro de debilidad muscular, expresión de un síndrome intermedio. La génesis de estos cuadros está relacionada con la inactivación de la acetilcolinesterasa por el insecticida. Mecanismos diferentes darían origen a polineuropatías y síndromes extrapiramidales tardíos. Se describe un paciente intoxicado agudamente con órganofosforados, que desarrolló una florida crisis colinérgica, que requirió ventilación mecánica invasiva. Después de tres semanas, ya recuperado de una neumonía y del síndrome colinérgico, se pudo definir un daño cognitivo de apariencia frontal, y se apreció la progresiva aparición de hipomimia, rigidez generalizada, bradikinesia y temblor, que configuraron un síndrome de Parkinson. Esta condición clínica se mantuvo al menos por dos semanas, siendo seguida de manera espontánea por una progresiva y completa mejoría del cuadro extrapiramidal y cognitivo. La literatura ha reportado, sólo por excepción casos similares, en los que se destacó tanto la aparición tardía del cuadro parkinsoniano, como su completa y espontánea remisión. Aunque la patogenia del cuadro parkinsoniano no está completamente establecida, existen evidencias experimentales que demuestran que los órganofosforados producen modificaciones en el transporte y en la recaptación de la dopamina. En este paciente se confirmó la doble acción patogénica de los órganofosforados, que habiéndose iniciado con un síndrome colinérgico agudo, finalizó con un compromiso dopaminérgico tardío. La completa recuperación de ambos efectos, permite encasillar a estos insecticidas como generadores de alteraciones funcionales, más que de gestores de daños o cambios estructurales.

Acute organophosphate poisoning usually produces a cholinergic crisis followed by muscular weakness or intermediate syndrome. The basis for these clinical manifestations is inactivation of acetylcholinesterase at the nicotinic and muscarinic nerve terminals and junctions. Different mechanism might lead to polyneuropathy and late extrapyramidal syndromes. We report a case of a male patient who ingested organophosphate with suicidal intentions. He developed a typical cholinergic crisis and required invasive mechanical ventilation. Three weeks later, frontal cognitive impairment was noticed and masklike face, generalized rigidity, bradykinesia and tremor progressively developed until a Parkinson syndrome was established. After his clinical condition had remained stable for at least two weeks, overt spontaneous improvement in motor and cognitive functions was observed. Similar reports in literature are infrequent. Although the pathophysiology that underlies extrapyramidal manifestations due organophosphate poisoning remains unclear, experimental evidence demostróte that organophosphate compounds impair dopamine transport and uptake. This case report suggests that organophosphate might act through a double pathogenic action i.e an initial acute cholinergic syndrome and a delayed disfunction in dopaminergic pathways. Complete spontaneous resolution of both effects allow us to classify organophosphate substances as a cause of functional impairment in the basal ganglia.

Lesion of the subthalamic nucleus reverses motor deficits but not death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in a rat 6-hydroxydopamine-lesion model of Parkinson's disease

The objective of the present study was to determine whether lesion of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) promoted by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) would rescue nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons after unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Initially, 16 mg 6-OHDA (6-OHDA group) or vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid - aCSF; Sham group) was infused into the right MFB of adult male Wistar rats. Fifteen days after surgery, the 6-OHDA and SHAM groups were randomly subdivided and received ipsilateral injection of either 60 mM NMDA or aCSF in the right STN. Additionally, a control group was not submitted to stereotaxic surgery. Five groups of rats were studied: 6-OHDA/NMDA, 6-OHDA/Sham, Sham/NMDA, Sham/Sham, and Control. Fourteen days after injection of 6-OHDA, rats were submitted to the rotational test induced by apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg, ip) and to the open-field test. The same tests were performed again 14 days after NMDA-induced lesion of the STN. The STN lesion reduced the contralateral turns induced by apomorphine and blocked the progression of motor impairment in the open-field test in 6-OHDA-treated rats. However, lesion of the STN did not prevent the reduction of striatal concentrations of dopamine and metabolites or the number of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons after 6-OHDA lesion. Therefore, STN lesion is able to reverse motor deficits after severe 6-OHDA-induced lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway, but does not protect or rescue dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.

Liver transplantion in a patient with rapid onset parkinsonism-dementia complex induced by manganism secondary to liver failure

Bilateral and symmetric globus-pallidus hyperintensities are observed on T1-weighted MRI in most of the patients with chronic liver failure, due to manganese accumulation. We report a 53-year-old man, with rapid onset parkinsonism-dementia complex associated with accumulation of manganese in the brain, secondary to liver failure. A brain MRI was performed and a high signal on T1-weighted images was seen on globus-pallidus, as well as on T2-weighted images on the hemispheric white-matter. He was referred to a liver-transplantation. The patient passed away on the seventh postoperative day. Our findings support the concept of the toxic effects of manganese on the globus-pallidus. The treatment of this form of parkinsonism is controversial and liver-transplantation should not be considered as first line treatment but as an alternative one.

Hiperintesidades simétricas e bilaterais dos gânglios da base são observadas em imagens de ressonância magnética encefálica (RM) ponderadas em T1 na maioria dos pacientes com insuficiência hepática crônica devidas ao acúmulo de manganês. Nós relatamos o caso de um homem, com 53 anos de idade, com um complexo parkinsonismo-demência rapidamente progressivo associado com o acúmulo de manganês no cérebro, secundariamente a insuficiência hepática. Uma RM encefálica foi realizada e foram observadas imagens hiperintensas/hipersinal nas imagens ponderadas em T1 no globo pálido e, também, na substância branca dos hemisférios cerebrais ponderadas em T2. Devido à falta de resposta ao tratamento clinico optamos pelo transplante hepático. O paciente faleceu no 7° dia de PO. Nossos achados corroboram o conceito dos efeitos tóxicos do manganês nos gânglios da base/globo pálido. O tratamento desta forma de parkinsonismo é controverso e o transplante hepático não deverá ser considerada uma opção terapêutica de primeira linha, porém como um tratamento alternativo considerando-se os riscos-benefícios dessa escolha.

Alkyl succinate poisoning.

A case of alkyl succinate poisoning is being reported. Oral ingestion of this compound led to gastrointestinal tract involvement and central nervous system manifestatations suggestive of parkinsonism. The patient recovered completely following conservative management without any sequelae.

Validación de una escala para evaluación de síntomas colaterales extrapiramidales de Simpson-Angus / Validating the Simpson-Angus extra-pyramidal collateral symptom evaluation scale

Objetivos: Validar la Escala para Evaluación de Síntomas Colaterales Extrapiramidales de Simpson-Angus en Colombia, usando una versión en lengua española. Métodos Estudio de validación de escala de medición, que constó de cuatro fases: traducción de la escala, estudio piloto, aplicación preliminar para análisis factorial, y análisis de validez, confiabilidad y sensibilidad al cambio del instrumento. Resultados La estructura factorial y la consistencia interna se evaluaron en 86 pacientes psiquiátricos hospitalizados. La confiabilidad test-retest e intervaluador se analizaron en una submuestra de 15 pacientes. El análisis de la validez de criterio concurrente se efectuó aplicando de manera simultánea las escalas de Simpson-Angus y la escala de Chouinard. La sensibilidad al cambio fue evaluada comparando las puntuaciones en dos momentos clínicamente diferentes en una submuestra de 20 pacientes. El análisis de factores principales mostró que la escala corresponde a una estructura unidimensional y dentro de esa estructura el signo de la Glabela aporta poco a la variabilidad total de la condición medida por la Escala. Los valores de confiabilidad test-retest, confiabilidad interevaluador, validez de criterio concurrente y sensibilidad al cambio fueron satisfactorios, con valores de estimadores de correlación superiores a 0,8 y niveles de precisión satisfactorios. Conclusiones La versión española adoptada en este estudio tiene adecuadas propiedades de medición del síndrome extrapiramidal inducido por neurolépticos y puede considerarse un instrumento de utilidad tanto en la práctica clínica como en investigación en Colombia. Sin embargo, una limitación importante puede ser su deficiencia para detectar dominios diferentes de la rigidez.

Objectives: The study was aimed at validating the Simpson-Angus scale for neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal syndrome in Colombia, using a Spanish version of the scale. Methods The scale was validated in four steps: translating the scale, pilot study, preliminary use for factorial analysis and analysis of validity, reliability and sensitivity to change. Results Factorial structure and internal consistency were evaluated in 86 psychiatric inpatients. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability were evaluated in a 15-patient subgroup. Concurrent validity was analysed by simultaneously applying Simpson-Angus and Chouinard scales. Sensitivity to change was evaluated by comparing the scores of two different clinical points in a 20-patient subgroup. Main factor analysis revealed that the scale has a one-dimensional structure; the Glabella tap did not contribute towards total variability of the condition measured for the scale. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability values, concurrent validity and sensitivity to change were good. Correlation estimation scores were above 0.8 and accuracy levels were also good. Conclusions The Spanish version of the SA scale, adapted for this study, is suitable for assessing neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal syndrome; it would be a useful instrument in both clinical practice and research settings in Colombia. However, an important limitation could be its lack of detecting any domain different to that of rigidity.

Homeostatic and toxic mechanisms regulating manganese uptake, retention, and elimination

This review attempts to summarize and clarify our basic knowledge as to the various factors that potentially influence the risks imposed from chronic exposure to high atmospheric levels of manganese (Mn). The studies describe the interrelationship of the different systems in the body that regulate Mn homeostasis by characterizing specific, biological components involved in its systemic and cellular uptake and its elimination from the body. A syndrome known as manganism occurs when individuals are exposed chronically to high levels of Mn, consisting of reduced response speed, intellectual deficits, mood changes, and compulsive behaviors in the initial stages of the disorder to more prominent and irreversible extrapyramidal dysfunction resembling Parkinson's disease upon protracted exposure. Mn intoxication is most often associated with occupations in which abnormally high atmospheric concentrations prevail, such as in welding and mining. There are three potentially important routes by which Mn in inspired air can gain access the body to: 1) direct uptake into the CNS via uptake into the olfactory or trigeminal presynaptic nerve endings located in the nasal mucosa and the subsequent retrograde axonal transport directly into the CNS; 2) transport across the pulmonary epithelial lining and its subsequent deposition into lymph or blood; and/or 3) mucocilliary elevator clearance from the lung and the subsequent ingestion of the metal in the gastrointestinal tract. Each of these processes and their overall contribution to the uptake of Mn in the body is discussed in this review as well as a description of the various mechanisms that have been proposed for the transport of Mn across the blood-brain barrier which include both a transferrin-dependent and a transferrin-independent process that may involve store-operated Ca channels.

¿Es el reflejo glabelar un componente del parkinsonismo nducido por neurolépticos? / Is the glabellar reflex a component of neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism?

Introducción. La evidencia disponible sugiere que algunos signos neurológicos atribuidos al uso de neurolépticos son realmente manifestaciones secundarias de trastornos psicóticos. Objetivo. Se efectuó el presente estudio con el objetivo de evaluar el papel del signo glabelar como componente clínico del parkinsonismo secundario inducido por neurolépticos. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó un grupo de pacientes con parkinsonismo secundario inducido por neurolépticos, utilizando la escala de Simpson y Angus para efectos colaterales extrapiramidales. La contribución del signo glabelar en el síndrome global se evaluó mediante técnicas de análisis factorial. Resultados. Se evaluaron 103 pacientes, de los cuales, 52 por ciento correspondía a mujeres, con parkinsonismo secundario inducido por neurolépticos. La mayoría de pacientes recibieron haloperidol como tratamiento antipsicótico. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron los trastornos afectivos y los esquizofrénicos. El ítem correspondiente al reflejo glabelar mostró el promedio de covarianza interítem más alto y el mayor valor de unicidad. Los puntajes de alfa de Cronbach de la escala aumentaron al retirar de ésta el ítem correspondiente al signo glabelar. Conclusión. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el signo glabelar mide una condición diferente del parkinsonismo secundario inducido por neurolépticos. Sugerimos que este hallazgo clínico no sea utilizado para medir la evolución de la respuesta neurológica a los antipsicóticos

Trastornos del movimiento inducidos por trazodone y veralipride: casos clínicos / Trazodone and veralapride-induced movement disorders: case reports

Comunicamos la aparición de movimientos anormales inducidos por dos fármacos de común uso en el adulto: trazodona y veralipride. El primer paciente desarrolla un parkinsonismo luego de una semana de usar Trazodona: la sintomatología se revierte al cabo de algunas semanas de suspendida la droga. El segundo paciente se presenta con una distonía tardía que comprometió extremidades inferiores, pared abdominal y región oro-mandibular luego de 2 meses de usar Veralipride: la sintomatología desaparece luego de 1 mes de suspendida la droga. Esta comunicación enfatiza la necesidad de mayor reconocimiento de este tipo de reacciones adversas de estos fármacos de común uso en nuestro medio.

We report the occurrence of abnormal movements induced by two drugs of common use in middle-aged patients: trazodone and veralipride. The first patient developed a akinetic-rigid syndrome after 1 week of using trazodone; the parkinsonism subsided completely a few weeks after drug withdrawal. The second patient presented with a tardive dystonia involved lower limbs, abdominal wall and face after two months of taking veralipride, the movements also gradually disappeared after stopping veralipride. Our report emphasizes the need for more awareness by clinicians of these secondary effects which can severely affect patients.

LPS-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra in rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In order to investigate the neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra and the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease, LPS was stereotaxically infused into substantia nigra (SN). At different dosages and different time points with 5 microg LPS, the damage of the dopaminergic neurons in SN was observed by using tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that 14 days after injection of 0.1 microg to 10 microg LPS into the rat SN, TH-positive (TH+) neurons in the SN were decreased by 5%, 15%, 20%, 45 %, 96% and 99% respectively. After injection of 5 microg LPS, as compared with the control groups, TH+ neurons began to decrease at 3rd day and obviously decrease at 14th day, only 5% of total cells, and almost disappeared 30 days later. The results suggested that LPS could induce the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the SN in a dose- and time-dependent manner.