Reversible effect of L-DOPA on tremor and catatonia induced by α-methyl-p-tyrosine

Abstract

DL-α-Methyl-p-tyrosine (500 mg i.p.) induces in monkeys with unilateral lesions of the rubro–olivo–cerebello–rubral loop postural tremor in the corresponding limbs. This effect appears after a delay of 3–4 h and may last up to 12 h. The injection of the same substance (1000 to 1500 mg i.p.) into normal or lesioned monkeys induces catatonia within 24 h. Tremor and catatonia are repetitively reversible within 15 min by L-dopa (30 mg/kg, i.m.); the effects reappear, however, after 45 to 60 min.