J. E. Somers, R. L. Irwin, G. Shy
Jul 1, 1963
Citations
0
Influential Citations
3
Citations
Journal
Neurology
Abstract
IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, reports have appeared from Eastern Europe and the U.S.S.R. on the use of galanthamine hydrobromide in various neuromuscular disorders, including myasthenia gravis.IJ The drug, one of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids,3.* is reported to depress cholinesterase activity and to increase the sensitivity of skeletal muscle to acetylcholine.j.6 Numerous other alkaloids have been isolated from the same family of plants and their chemistry has been recently reviewed by Wildman.? Lycoramine, the dihydro derivative of galanthamine,s has been found readily susceptible to chemical modification. Pharmacologic studies on certain lycoramine derivatives synthesized by Wildman have been carried out by Irwin and associates.9-12 Muscle fibers demonstrated marked twitch potentiation and cholinesterase inhibition with these compounds. Two lycoramine derivatives have been used in this series of clinical experiments. The first, deoxy demethyl lycoramine methiodide (MDL) has a short duration of action and was prepared in a suitable form for intravenous administration. The second derivative, deoxy demethyl dimethyl carbamate lycoramine hydrochloride, (HCDL) has a longer action and was prepared for oral administration. Both were found to be effective in myasthenia gravis. PHARMACOLOGY