Central Monoamine Metabolism in Man

Abstract

The effect of haloperidol or piribedil (ET 495) on the central metabolism of dopamine (DA) and serotonin was examined in patients with various neurologic disorders. Monoamine turnover was estimated by the rate of accumulation in lumbar spinal fluid of the principle metabolites of these suspected neuromediators during the administration of probenecid. Haloperidol, which is believed to block DA receptors, appeared to accelerate DA turnover markedly, while piribedil, a suspected DA receptor agonist, substantially reduced the turnover of this monoamine. No consistent change in serotonin metabolism attended the administration of either drug. The results suggest that studies using pharmacologic agents that act on central monoaminergic receptors may provide an important means for evaluating mechanisms for controlling monoamine synthesis in patients with central nervous system disease.