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Mechanisms of tremor induction by harmine

1974; Elsevier BV; Volume: 27; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0014-2999(74)90197-6

1879-0712

Deirdre M. Kelly, Robert J. Naylor,

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study

Various agents known to modify cerebral serotoninergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic function were used to investigate the possible relationship between these transmitter systems and the induction and modulation of harmine tremor. The results indicate a non-involvement of cerebral cholinergic function and a possible involvement of cerebral serotoninergic and/or dopaminergic function with harmine tremor. Anticholinergic agents, e.g. atropine, failed to modify tremor; dopamine agonists, e.g. L-dopa, reduced tremor and monoamine depleting agents, e.g. reserpine, enhanced tremor. Modification of harmine tremor by a serotonin agonist or antagonist (5-hydroxytryptophan, p-chlorophenylalanine) was difficult to assess, but, nevertheless, it was considered that increased cerebral serotonin levels would enhance harmine tremor. The results are discussed in the light of evidence that whilst dopamine agonists are effective in reducing Parkinsonian tremor, the same agents will also reduce harmine tremor.