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Dear List members, I came across an old journal article from Movement Disorders (Vol 8, No 3, 1993, p 278 - 284, titled "Ascorbic Acid Protects Against Levodopa-Induced Neurotoxicity on a Catecholamine-Rich (CA)Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line." (Stanley Fahn et al) about a study which was supported by grants from the NPF. Whilst it is quite technical (even the summary!) it confirms the protective effect of ascorbic acid (vit c) in CA -rich cell line and advises that it should be tested in animal models. The Summary says: (and don't ask me what the measurements mean!) "Levodopa, at concentrations of 0.25 x 10 - 4 M or larger, is toxic for the human neuroblastoma cell NB69. Toxicity is associated with high levels of quinones, increased activity of complex 11-111, and lack of changes of complex 1 of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Deprenyl, which does not alter the production of quinones, has a partial protective effect. Tocopherol (Vit E) 23 or 115 x 10 - 6 M, lacks significant preventative effect on levodopa toxicity, but ascorbic acid, 10 - 3 M,prevents levodopa toxicity and quinone formation. Deprenyl, 10 - 4 M, provides additional protection in cultures treated with levodopa and ascorbic acid. Our results indicate that ascorbic acid and deprenyl prevent levodopa neurotoxicity by unrelated mechanisms. Both compounds should be considered as complimentary drugs to test for slowing the progression of PD. At the August 1999 PD conference in Sydney, Dr Fahn recommended PWP should take high doses of Vit E & C. Obviously he has done further studies on Vit E.... Does anyone have any more up to date studies on this subject? Joy Graham (CG Bob, 60, 10 yrs)