Bromocriptine holiday

Abstract

In experimental Parkinson's disease, we studied the effects of chronic administration (30 days), withdrawal, and reinstitution of bromocriptine. Dopamine (DA) receptor supersensitivity was produced by 6-hydroxydopamine and reversed by chronic bromocriptine administration. Drug holiday reestablished sensitivity of DA receptors, but reinstitution of bromocriptine again downregulated receptors. The effects of a drug holiday on DA receptors are shortlived, and long-term clinical improvement cannot be expected. Apomorphine-induced contralateral turning produced by the lesion was unaffected by any drug regimen.