Cannabinoids reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.

Randomised2001Neurology

Sieradzan KA; Fox SH; Hill M; Dick JP; Crossman AR; Brotchie JM

The authors' abstract

The lateral segment of the globus pallidus (GPl) is thought to be overactive in levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD. Stimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the GPl reduces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reuptake and enhances GABA transmission and may thus alleviate dyskinesia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (n = 7), the authors demonstrate that the cannabinoid receptor agonist nabilone significantly reduces levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD.