Regression of cerebellar syndrome with long-term administration of 5-HTP or the combination 5-HTP-benserazide

Abstract

A quantitative evaluation of cerebellar ataxia, with an ataxia score (total, static, kinetic) and the measurement of objective values relating to the major symptoms, was used in 21 patients with hereditary ataxias treated for 12 months with high doses (16 mg/kg/day) of d-l-5-HTP, l-5-HTP or the combination d-l-5-HTP (16 mg/kg/day)—benserazide (6 mg/kg/day). The data obtained from regular examination were processed by computer. The ataxia showed a significant regression at the 12th month, mainly in the static forms and speed of speech. l-5-HTP appeared to be more effective than d-l-5-HTP. Regression of the cerebellar ataxia was also observed in non-degenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis and surgical lesion of the anterior lobe vermis, showing that 5-HTP was active on the cerebellar syndrome in general. The regression of the cerebellar ataxia was very slow in inherited diseases and continued for 2 or 4 months after the treatment stopped. A serotoninergic cerebellar control of movement is discussed. Una valutazione quantitativa della atassia cerebellare, con un punteggio (totale, statico e cinetico) e la misurazione di valori obbiettivi correlati ai sintomi maggiori fu usata in 21 pazienti con atassia ereditaria trattati per 12 mesi con alte dosi (16mg/kg/die) di D-L-5-HTP, L-5-HTP o con la combinazione (6 mg/kg/die). I dati ottenuti erano esaminati con il computer. L'atassia mostrava una significativa regressione al 12° mese, soprattutto per quanto riguardava la stazione eretta ed i disturbi della parola. L-5-HTP sembrava essere più efficace del D-L-5-HTP. La regressione della atassia cerebellare veniva anche osservata in malattie non degenerative come la sclerosi multipla e le lesioni del lobo arterioso del verme, mostrando cosí un'attività del 5-HPT sulle sindromi cerebellari in generale. La regressione dell'atassia cerebellare era molto lenta nelle malattie ereditarie e continuavo da 2 a 4 mesi dopo la fine del trattamento. Viene discusso un controllo serotoninergico sul cervelletto per quanto riguarda il movimento.