Levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease is thought to depend on an overactive stimulation of brain glutamate receptors. This project aims to evaluate a particular class of glutamate receptors as a potential target for antdyskinetic therapies. Novel compounds that interact with metabotropic receptors of group I and group II will be evaluated in a pre-clinical model of Parkinson’s disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Tests of physiological motor performance and ratings of abnormal involuntary movements will be carried out to fully characterize the effects of these compounds when given either alone or in conjunction with levodopa.
Final Outcome
Dr. Cenci-Nilsson demonstrated that mGluR5 antagonists were effective in alleviating levodopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements in a rodent model of PD. She received follow-on funding to carry out a primate efficacy study.