Riluzole has no acute effect on motor unit parameters in ALS

Riluzole is the only drug to have been approved for the treatment of amyotr ophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/MND). Its mechanism of action is complex and i ncludes actions on NMDA and kainate receptors and modulation of voltage gat ed Na channels. In ALS, its effects on measurable parameters of the motor u nits utilising current neurophysiological techniques are unknown. In an acu te randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over experiment, we serially assessed the effects of riluzole on motor units in muscles affecte d by ALS/MND using EMG. We discuss the results of our observations in the l ight of previous clinical trials, and their implications. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.