Prolonged kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibition reduces development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in parkinsonian monkeys

Increased glutamatergic activity is believed to play a significant role in the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID). LID may therefore be attenuated by a reduction in glutamatergic function. This was tested pharmacologically in MPTP monkeys by increasing the formation of kynurenic acid (KYNA), a tryptophan metabolite that inhibits glutamate release and also blocks NMDA receptors directly. KYNA synthesis was stimulated by prolonged systemic administration of the kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitor Ro 61-8048. Four MPTP cynomolgus monkeys received l-dopa (LD; 100 mg) with benserazide (25 mg) for one month. Progressively, all these animals developed LID. Four other MPTP monkeys received Ro 61-8048 (50 mg/kg) daily 3 h before administration of LD/benserazide for one month. The addition of Ro 61-8048 reduced the development of LID but did not affect the antiparkinsonian efficacy of LD. Moreover, Ro 61-8048 administration caused sustained increases in serum kynurenine and KYNA concentrations, which reverted to basal values 24 h after the last treatment. This effect of Ro 61-8048 was less pronounced in the CSF. These results demonstrate that long-lasting elevation of KYNA levels caused by prolonged inhibition of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase is associated with a significant reduction in LID but does not compromise the benefits of chronic LD therapy.