The pharmacology of N-carbamoyl-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)acetamidine hydrochloride (LON-954) a new tremorogenic agent.

The tremorogenic properties of a series of benzylimidoylurea derivatives are described. The most potent member, N-carbamoyl-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) acetamidine hydrochloride (LON-954), produces a reproducible, dose-dependent rest tremor in the mouse with oral doses of 5-100 mg/kg which is also seen in other species (rat, cat, dog, rabbit). The tremor is of constant frequency, rapid onset and short duration. It is not accompanied by akinesia, muscle ridigity, antinociceptive activity, parasympathomimetic effects or marked hypothermia and in these respects differs from tremor produced by oxotremorine. Pretreatment with a microsomal enzyme inhibitor had no effect on the tremor. An LD50 of 165 mg/kg p.o. was calculated in the mouse. After repeated administration both acute and chronic tolerance developed to the tremorogenic effects of LON-954. Evidence for a central site of action is presented, since the tremor could be reproduced following injection of small quantities (50-100 microgram) into the cerebral ventricles of the mouse. Furthermore, the use of spinal, decorticate and and decerebrate rats indicated that although tremor is not of cortical origin, it arises in an area rostral to the inferior colliculi. The mechanism underlying the tremor appears to involve dopaminergic pathways, since the action of LON-954 was antagonised by L-dopa and apomorphine and potentiated by pimozide. Atropine and carbachol were without effect. It is suggested that LON-954 could be used as an alternative to oxotremorine for the detection of anti-Parkinson drugs, particularly those exerting their effects through dopaminergic mechanisms.