CGS 21680 exerts marked antidystonic effects in a genetic model of paroxysmal dyskinesia

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.