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Biomedical subjects

N Bathien

Publications and source records attributed to N Bathien.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Chronic administration of L-dopa affects the movement-related cortical potentials of patients with Parkinson's disease.

The chronic effect of L-Dopa administration on the movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) was studied in two groups of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD): patients de novo (DN) and patients with on-off fluctuations. The BP and NS' premovement components of MRCPs associated with wrist flexion were assessed by their gradients and by their distribution on the midline (CZ) and the ipsilateral and contralateral hand sensorimotor areas. The treatment efficacy was controlled by a decrease in PD score (Columbia University Rating Scale). The BP component was absent in four out of nine patients DN. After 3 months of treatment, BP and NS' were recorded in six out of seven patients, and the NS' slope was significantly increased in all patients. In the off phase, MRCPs from patients with on-off fluctuations did not present a BP component. In the on phase, the NS' slope was increased and the BP was recorded in two out of nine patients. These patients exhibited an earlier PD stage (Hoehn and Yahr, stage 3). These two patterns of changes in the MRCPs induced by L-Dopa treatment suggest that the BP component was recorded in patients DN when a partial resolution of the nigrostriatal activity could occur. In patients with severe fluctuations, the dopaminergic striatal pathway was more severely affected and the increase of the NS' component demonstrated the activation of extrastriatal dopamine sites within the central nervous system (limbic and cortical structures, in particular).

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Changes in movement-related cortical potentials in Parkinson's patients before and after treatment with levodopa].

Cortical potentials associated with voluntary, self-paced wrist flexion (MRPs) were recorded from 3 scalp locations (Cz and psi contralateral hand motor area) in patients with Parkinson's disease (9 de novo patients and 30 L-Dopa treated patients). The analysis concerned 3 components of the MRPs: the 2 slow negative shifts (NS1 and N1) before the movement onset and the motor potential (MP). The NSI amplitude was measured at Cz, the peak negativity N1 and MP from contralateral hand motor area location. The potential distribution was also studied. The amplitude of the MRPs components was the same as in the normals. But in de novo patients, the potential distribution of the NS1 component was different; a Cz preponderance of the NS1 amplitude was not found. In patients treated with L-Dopa, there is a negative correlation between the changes in amplitude and the changes in clinical rating for NS1, N1 and MP components. The decrease in the MRPs components was significant from stage III and IV of the Hoehn and Yahr scales. After L-Dopa therapy, the NS1 component from de novo patients was increased in amplitude. The amplitude of the MRPs components from patients with L-Dopa induced clinical fluctuations was reduced during "off" period in comparison to "on" period. The findings suggest that the NS1 potential and the N1 and MP components share 2 distinct systems for the control of voluntary movement. Their mechanism in Parkinson's disease is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Movement-related cortical potentials in aged subjects].

Cortical potentials related to freely-executed voluntary wrist flexion (MRPs) were studied in 35 subjects aged 23-80 years. The characteristics of the MPRs in aged subjects were determined in comparison data from 14 young subjects aged 23-40 years. The analysis concerned 3 components of the MRPs: the slow negative shifts (NS1 and NS2) before the movement onset and the motor potential (MP). In the aged subject, the latencies measured at Cz show a significant lengthening of the NS1 and of the duration of NS2 (NS' of Shibasaki et al, 1980). The mean amplitude of the NS1 peak at Cz is decreased, and those of N1 (the negative peak before the movement) and MP are not significantly different from those of the young subjects. The NS2 component in the aged subject (between NS1 and N1) is thus increased. In contrast to the young subjects, who present a predominance of N1 and MP amplitudes of the contralateral motor cortex over the ipsilateral cortex, the aged subjects lose lateralization of these components. Recording of MRPs with subdural electrodes (Neshige et al, 1988) shows taht NS1 results from the activity of the supplementary motor area and from the ipsi-contralateral primary motor cortex. The increase in NS2 might be interpreted as an expression of activity coming from other structures to compensate for the reduction in NS1 in the aged subject and to maintain the level of the motor potential MP.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Therapeutic response to progabide in neuroleptic- and L-dopa-induced dyskinesias.

The results of two trials conducted in human dyskinesia with progabide, a specific gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist, are reviewed. In one trial, 13 parkinsonian patients with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LDD) and "on-off" fluctuations were included in a double-blind controlled trial progabide versus placebo. No change was observed during this trial in the severity of dyskinesia on progabide treatment but the drug significantly extended the "on" period as compared with placebo. In the second trial, 20 patients with neuroleptic-induced dyskinesia (TD) entered an open dose ranging trial with progabide. Fourteen of the 16 patients who completed the trial had a good-to-excellent therapeutic response. According to these results, progabide does not seem to have the same therapeutic benefit in LDD as TD. These data suggest that the hypothesis of a dopaminergic supersensitivity as a similar pathogenic substrate for both clinical conditions should be reconsidered. If this hypothesis remains the most consistent to explain the occurrence of LDD, the therapeutic effect of progabide in TD is an argument for an implication of the GABAergic system in the appearance of TD.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Postural adjustments associated with rapid voluntary arm movements in patients with Parkinson's disease.

To determine the extent to which deficits in coordination between posture and movement are influenced by postural disorders, postural adjustments associated with rapid voluntary arm movement were studied in PD patients and controls. EMG activity in postural muscles of the lower limbs and the trunk and local anteroposterior accelerations of the upper part of the leg were recorded in subjects who rapidly raised their arms to a horizontal position in response to a visual signal. The arm movement was characterized electromyographically by EMG activity from the deltoid muscle (anterior portion) and kinetically by acceleration of the arm. Study of characteristics of voluntary movement showed a nonsignificant increase in RT (simple-reaction time task) and an important increase in MT. There were important differences between PD patients and control subjects with regard to postural adjustments. Timing between voluntary movement and postural movement was anticipatory in 5% of PD patients, whereas it was anticipatory in 100% of control subjects. In PD patients, organization of early postural adjustments was not specific to voluntary movement; in control subjects, organization of early postural adjustments was specific to the forthcoming movement. Last, a possible functional relation between the "quality" of postural adjustments and a reduction in motor performance of normal subjects is suggested.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Bilateral thalamic infarcts with abnormal movements and permanent amnesia].

A 45 year-old woman with mitral valve disease developed bilateral thalamic infarcts presenting as vigilance disorders, with mutism and downwards gaze paralysis during several days, followed by involuntary rhythmic movements over 13 days. These movements affected the four limbs with a rhythm variable with time as alternate or synchronized agonist-antagonist periods. Subsequent examinations demonstrated global, lasting amnesia and a subclinical disorder of vertical ocular movements. Repeat CT scan confirmed the presence of bilateral anterior thalamic infarcts affecting polar and/or paramedian territories. Emphasis is placed on the similarity of the abnormal movements in this case with L-dopa induced involuntary movements.

Amnesia↗
PubMed1984

Conduction of the sciatic nerve in its proximal and distal segment in patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Conduction in the proximal segment of the sciatic nerve was assessed by recording the latencies of M and H responses from soleus muscle, in the distal segment by comparing the latencies of M waves from the abductor hallucis muscle, obtained by stimulating the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa and at the ankle. Data from 30 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were compared with an age-matched group of healthy subjects. We observed an increase in the difference between the latencies of M and H responses from soleus, and a lengthening of the distal latency of the M wave from abductor hallucis. The motor conduction velocity of the tibial nerve was preserved. The functional significance of the data are discussed. It is suggested that they indicate a slowing of conduction in the proximal segment of the sciatic nerve and that they can be correlated with pathological findings in proximal nerves in ALS and in the experimental anterior horn cell disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

EMG patterns in abnormal involuntary movements induced by neuroleptics.

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of abnormal involuntary movements and their modifications after Piribedil, a dopaminergic agonist, were analysed in patients presenting with tremor or tardive dyskinesia induced by treatment with neuroleptics. Quantitative analysis of EMG bursts and of their phase relationships with bursts of antagonist muscles revealed differences between tremor and tardive dyskinesia; three separate EMG types of the latter were found. In tremor, EMG activity was coordinated between agonists and antagonists. Length and frequency of bursts are characteristic. In tardive dyskinesia, phase histograms of antagonist muscle bursts showed an absence of reciprocal organisation of EMG activity. This activity was made up of either rhythmical bursts (type I and II according to the frequency) or irregular discharges (type III). Piribedil decreased tremor but facilitated EMG activity in tardive dyskinesia. These results give an objective measurement or classification of tremor and tardive dyskinesia induced by neuroleptics.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Activation motor response in depressive states. Changes in the Hoffmann reflex during psychomotor testing].

Psychophysiological response of activation was explored both in control and depressed patients before and after antidepressant treatment. Hoffmann reflex (H reflex) and heat rate were recorded. Two psychomotor tests were studied in order to modify the level of vigilance. Control subjects had two different psychophysiological responses: slight increase of cardiac rhythm together with facilitation of H reflex or marked increase of cardiac rhythm associated with inhibition of H reflex. Depressed patients always showed an increase in H reflex during each task. H reflex was reduced only when patient recovered after a period of treatment. In both populations, heart rate for a given test was modified in the same way. Results are discussed in the light of the existence of two different activating systems. In depressed patients the lack of inhibition of H reflex could be explained by the decrease of initial arousal.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

The abdominal cutaneous reflex circuit in the rat: a spinobulbo-spinal reflex in phenobarbital-anesthetized animals.

A description is given of an abdominal reflex (ACR) in the rat evoked by cutaneous stimulation. Latency of the ACR in response to stimulation of the contralateral hindlimb was 28.5 +/- 3.2 msec. Data from the analysis of discharges in dorsal and ventral roots and from bulbar reticular neurons triggered by ACR stimuli reveal that a spino-bulbo-spinal loop seems to be implicated. This is also supported by the chronic effects of pontile and spinal transections. ACR-concomitant discharges were also recorded in other axial (digastric m. and internal intercostal m.) and proximal limb muscles. The possible spino-bulbo-spinal mechanism of this cutaneous reflex is discussed.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1982

Peripheral neuropathies and tremor.

We studied 14 patients with tremor and acquired peripheral neuropathies of different origin. Minimal weakness was the only clinical finding common to all patients. Sensory changes, etiology, and course of the neuropathy varied. NO unique pattern of peripheral nerve histopathology could be demonstrated. Slowing of conduction velocity of Ia fibers was found, but the role played by impairment of sensory inputs remains unclear. Tremor associated with peripheral neuropathy seems to be due to enhancement of physiologic tremor by minimal weakness.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Electrophysiological and pharmacological analysis of L-dopa-induced dyskinesia and tardive dyskinesia (author's transl)].

Electrophysiological and pharmacological analysis of L-Dopa-induced dyskinesia and tardive dyskinesia (L.DD) due to neuroleptics was performed on 12 patients with Parkinson's disease and on 12 others with psychotic diseases. This analysis included the examination of spinal reflexes, monosynaptic H reflex, polysynaptic cutaneous reflex of the lower limb, muscular responses to passive movement [stretch reflex and shortening reaction (SR)] and the study of the motor response to a dopaminergic stimulus (I.V. injection of Piribedil (PBD), a dopamine agonist). There was no difference in EMG activity between L.DD and TD. Three EMG patterns can be distinguished: anarchic discharge pattern (ADA), tonic grouping discharge pattern (AST) and rhythmic burst pattern (ABR). PBD effects indicate a possible relationship between the EMG patterns and the sensitivity level of the motor dopamine receptors. During L-Dopa dyskinesia and tardive dyskinesia, the same changes in spinal reflexes were observed. Muscle tone tested by muscular responses to passive movement (shortening and myotatic reaction) was normal. Monosynaptic excitability explored by H/M ratio was within the normal range. In contrast, the polysynaptic nociceptive reflex was increased in every case. In Parkinsonian patients with L-Dopa dyskinesia, this pattern of the spinal reflexes was significantly different in comparison to the rigid phase. Intravenous infusion of PBD suppressed tremor and provoked the occurrence of dyskinetic activity in Parkinsonian patients with L-Dopa dyskinesia during the rigid phase. During the dyskinetic phase, as in tardive dyskinesia, PBD increases these phenomena and changes EMG activity in rhythmic pattern. It is suggested that L-Dopa dyskinesia and tardive dyskinesia can be determined by testing EMG activity, spinal reflexes and dopaminergic reactivity. There is evidence to suggest that the various types of involuntary abnormal movement represent a single entity, and that dopamine receptor supersensitivity may be involved.

Antipsychotic Agents↗
PubMed1979

[Abnormal movements induced by psychotropic drugs].

The abnormal movements produced by the psychotropic drugs are related to various physiopathological mechanisms: -- dopaminergic receptors blockage provokes neuroleptic parkinsoniam tremor; -- neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia is similar to 1. Dopa abnormal movements; tardive dyskinesia is due to denervation induced hypersensitivity of the dopamine receptor; the 1. Dopa dyskinesia is probably related to altered responsiveness of these receptors due to an increase in dopaminergic receptor sensitivity; -- antidepressant drugs, particularly lithium, provoke tremor, alleviated by beta blockage; it is probably caused by an abnormal sensitivity of the beta noradrenergic receptors.

Chorea↗
PubMed1978

[Effects of percutaneous heterosegmental electric stimulation (electro-acupuncture) on the nociceptive flexion reflex in man].

A comparative study of the effects of electro-acupuncture of the HO KU point and of a placebo control point were carried out in man, taking as an objective test of pain the threshold of a pain induced flexion reflex. In the absence of electrical stimulation of the HO KU point, or of the control point, no variation in the painful reflex threshold was seen. This remained stable throughout the experimental session. However, electrical stimulation of the HO KU point resulted in a 115 p. 100 increase in the reflex threshold, whilst that of the control point resulted in an increase of 20 p. 100 in the threshold of the same reflex. These results are discussed on the basis of data in the literature.

Acupuncture Therapy↗