D-cycloserine for the treatment of ataxia in spinocerebellar degeneration.

Abstract

We studied the effects of D-cycloserine, a partial NMDA receptor allosteric agonist, on ataxia in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration. Fifteen Japanese ataxic patients enrolled in a 14-day single-blind trial of D-cycloserine (daily oral dose of 50 mg) following a 14-day single-blind placebo phase. At the end of the D-cycloserine administration, there was a significant reduction in the posture, gait and total score of the international cooperative ataxia rating scale and in the time for walking and speech tasks. D-Cycloserine was well-tolerated and no adverse effect was observed. D-Cycloserine may have therapeutic efficacy for spinocerebellar ataxia.

• Authors: Masafumi Ogawa, Hiroshi Shigeto, Toshiyuki Yamamoto, Yasushi Oya, Keiji Wada, Toru Nishikawa, Mitsuru Kawai
• Journal: Journal of the neurological sciences (J Neurol Sci) Vol. 210 Issue 1-2 Pg. 53-6 (Jun 15 2003) ISSN: 0022-510X [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 12736088 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibiotics, Antitubercular
• Placebos
• Cycloserine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antibiotics, Antitubercular (therapeutic use)
• Ataxia (drug therapy, etiology)
• Cycloserine (therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuropsychological Tests
• Placebos
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Single-Blind Method
• Speech
• Spinocerebellar Degenerations (complications, drug therapy)
• Walking