The influence of antineoplaston A5 on the central dopaminergic structures.

Antineoplastons are naturally occurring cytodifferentiating agents. Chemically, antineoplastons are medium and small sized peptides, amino acid derivatives and organic acids which exist in blood, tissues and urine. In clinical trials in advanced cancer, in addition to the anticancer activity it was observed that patients suffering from both cancer and Parkinson's disease exhibited marked improvement in parkinsonian symtomatology when treated with antineoplaston A5. The present study was designed to analyse the influence of A5 on central dopaminergic structures. Mice and rats were given A5 intraperitoneally at three different dosage levels. Experiments conducted included spontaneous locomotor activity, amphetamine-induced yawning and erections, catalepsy, the effect on the level and utilization of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain and the influence of prolonged and chronic treatment on the haloperidol-induced catalepsy. It has been demonstrated that A5 stimulates the central dopaminergic receptors. It diminishes the cataleptic response to haloperidol and enhances the incidence of apomorphine-induced yawning. Biochemical studies demonstrated increased concentration of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain and diminished utilization of both catecholamines.