P. J. Dyck
Mar 1, 2007
Citations
9
Influential Citations
377
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Neurology
Abstract
The HSG described the important benefit of tetrabenazine (TBZ) in patients with Huntington disease.1 We would like to stress the mechanism of action of this valuable agent. The only action ascribed to TBZ in achieving the clinical benefit was inhibiting presynaptic vesicular monoamine transporters to block amine reuptake and secondarily decrease dopamine levels. Although this mechanism is clearly established, TBZ is also functionally effective as a dopamine receptor antagonist based on a large body of rigorous literature. This additional mechanism could well contribute to the clinical benefit observed and possibly explain some unexpected results. In support of an independent action as a dopaminergic antagonist, TBZ blocks dopamine-2 and apomorphine-mediated3 inhibition of pituitary prolactin release in vivo2,3 …