Effects of riluzole on cortical excitability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Authors
Stefan, K Kunesch, E Benecke, R Classen, J
Citation
K. Stefan et al., Effects of riluzole on cortical excitability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ANN NEUROL, 49(4), 2001, pp. 536-539
Citations number
19
Categorie Soggetti
Neurology,"Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
ISSN journal
03645134 → ACNP
Volume
49
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
536 - 539
Database
ISI
SICI code
0364-5134(200104)49:4<536:EOROCE>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
2Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, the effect of riluzole (RLZ) on c ortical excitability was studied in patients with amyotrophic lateral scler osis (ALS). Paired-pulse inhibition (PPI) and paired-pulse facilitation (PP F) were reduced. RLZ partially restored deficient PPI in the first of 4 con secutive 3-month periods of testing, but left PPF unchanged. These findings substantiate the view that attenuation of glutamate-related excitotoxicity is an important factor contributing to the beneficial effect of RLZ in ALS .