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Current Science Reviews by Joe Bruman October 1995 Colosimo C. et al: Arch Neur 1995;58:294-298: Combining postmortem pathology and retrospective clinical history of 16 patients, authors try to establish diagnostic distinction between PD and two of its numerous mimics, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). One prominent criterion is response to levodopa. Colosimo C. et al: Lancet 1995;346:64: Selegiline (Deprenyl) metabolizes to amphetamine and methamphetamiine. A champion boxer took it, on advice of his doctor, for its putative neuro- protective effect, and lost his title when the metabolites were found. An International Conference: in Munich discussed benefits of botulinum toxin against tremor and dystonia (muscle cramps). European Neurological Society Meeting Highlights: Progress in diagnostic criteria; cause of apoptosis (cell death); improvement in drug strategy; clozapine in psychosis; tolcapone reduces requirement for levodopa; the neuroleptic prothipendyl is comparable to clozapine in benefit, withoug the danger of anemia; amantadine acts otherwise than as dopamine agonist; progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are the most common of PD mis- diagnoses; olfactory deficit (anosmia) is common in PD; neuroprotection by selegiline (Deprenyl) still being studied. Morens D. et al: Neur 1995;45:1041-1051: Cigarette smokers are half as frequent among PD patients as in the general population, suggesting that tobacco (or craving for it) may confer some protection. Zoldan J. et al: Neur 1995;45:1395-1308: The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron reduced PD drug-induced psychosis in 16 patients, without interference with levodopa or other adverse effects. Bennett K. et al: Brain 1995;118:959-970: Careful observation of arm control (as in drinking) by PD patients. Burn D. et al: Brain 1995;118:951-958: Distinction of PD from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and striatonigral degeneration by PET study in 21 assorted patients. Cunnington R. et al: Brain 1995;118:935-950: Abnormality of voluntary and internally directed mobility in PD. Jahanshani M. et al: Brain 1995;118:913-933: Examination by PET of PD brain activity during motion. Peppe A. et al: Neur 1995;45:1144-1148: Vision abnormality in PD. Gorell J. et al: Neur 1995;45:1138-1143 Elevated iron in substantia nigra of PD patients, detectable by MRI scan, may have a contributing role in cell death. J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks CA 91403