The effect of the adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist CGS 21680 (2-carboxyethy
l)phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarbonyamido-adenosine) on severity of dyston
ia was examined in genetically dystonic hamsters which exhibit attacks of d
ystonic and choreoathetotic disturbances in response to mild stress. CGS 21
680 significantly reduced the severity of dystonia (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg
i.p.). The marked antidystonic effects of CGS 21680 in the hamster model su
ggest that this compound may represent an interesting candidate for the the
rapy of paroxysmal dystonia. Furthermore, the present data indicate that th
e precipitating effect of caffeine in patients with paroxysmal dystonia is
probably due to its adenosine receptor antagonistic action. (C) 2000 Elsevi
er Science B.V. All rights reserved.