Pharmacology of Huntington's chorea. Personal experience.

Dipropylacetic acid (DPA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), physostigmine, CB 154 and butyrophenones were administered to 26 patients affected by Huntington's chorea. The evaluation of the pharmacologic activity of the different drugs was determined by means of some clinical parameters and motor performance tests. Butyrophenones succeeded to ameliorate the hyperkinesias and the motor dexterity, CB 154 provoked a worsening of the motor signs of the disorder, while DPA, GABA and physostigmine did not modify the clinical pattern. The relationship between these results and the Hungtington's chorea physiopathology is discussed and a hypersensitivity of DA receptors is suggested.