POTENTIAL ROLE OF ADENOSINE ANTAGONIST THERAPY IN PATHOLOGICAL TREMORDISORDERS

The continuing lack of effective long-term therapies for Parkinson's d isease and other disorders in which a primary symptom is involuntary t remor is leading to a search for alternative pharmacological strategie s. Adenosine is a major modulator of neuronal activity and neurotransm itter release in the central nervous system, with AI receptors inhibit ing transmitter release and A2 receptors generally enhancing release o f several transmitter systems relevant to the control of movement. The A2a subtype of receptor is especially concentrated in the neostriatum and is co-localised with D2 receptors for dopamine, the affinity of w hich are reduced by activation of the A2a population. Antagonists of a denosine, such as theophylline, have been reported to improve the trem or in cases of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, and the devel opment of better and more selective A2a receptor antagonists may prove of value in these disabling disorders. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Sc ience Inc.