A selective MAOB inhibitor Ro19-6327 potentiates the effects of levodopa on parkinsonism induced by MPTP in the common marmoset.

The effects of the selective and reversible MAOB inhibitor Ro19-6327 on parkinsonism in common marmosets, induced by MPTP were studied. Combined administration of Ro19-6327 with benserazide/levodopa potentiated the effects of levodopa to reverse akinesia. In a microdialysis study, the administration of Ro19-6327 was found to minimize the increase in metabolites of dopamine (DA) following injection of levodopa. These results suggest that Ro19-6327 suppresses the metabolism of DA, resulting in increased effects of levodopa on parkinsonism induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Thus, Ro19-6327 should be useful in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease.