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C. Olanow et al: Ann Neur 1995; 38-771-777: A careful new placebo-controlled study of 101 patients with mild (early) PD seems to show that Deprenyl (Eldepryl, selegiline) retards the progress of PD symptoms after all. This is the latest round in a controversy which has gone on for several years, and it looks convincing. Symptoms were evaluated by the UPDRS, primarily a measure of motor function. While the precise action of Deprenyl remains unknown, the study seems to indicate a true neuroprotective effect and not just symptomatic relief. The effect is suspected to be a counter to oxidative stress, which in turn may be due to cytotoxic free radicals caused by levodopa therapy. Incidentally, Olanow's institution, Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, is beginning a trial of an alternative to Deprenyl, which is also a MAO-B inhibitor but does not metabolize to amphetamine (see my post on PDF of 5 Dec 95). J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks CA 91403