Cinnarizine-induced parkinsonism in primates.

We describe the production of an experimental model of parkinsonism induced by cinnarizine (CNZ) in three healthy sylvanna monkeys. The drug produced a severe but reversible parkinsonism in all animals. After discontinuation of CNZ, all animals recovered but the oldest one was akinetic for 6 weeks. CNZ produced a persistent reduction in HVA and 5-HIAA levels in the CSF. Our data suggest a predominant presynaptic effect on DA and 5-HT neurons; and could account for the longstanding parkinsonism induced by calcium antagonist in some patients as well as the depression observed in these subjects.