Abstract

 

Objectives: L-deprenyl is an irreversible mitochondrial monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitor and is mostly

used in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) treatment. However, it is believed that the effect of L-deprenyl in PD is by a

different mechanism than MAO-B enzyme inhibition and may be due to several factors. Neuroprotective effect of

L-deprenyl on cerebral tissue achieved by NO production has been shown by in vivo and in vitro tissue studies. The

purpose of this study was to determine the level of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, nitrite and nitrate in human

serum and to assess whether there is any relationship among serum nitrate–nitrite levels and L-deprenyl in PD.

Patients and Methods: Twenty-one patients used L-Deprenile and 16 patients did not. Twenty-four healthy age- and

sex matched control were included in the study. Serum total nitrite and nitrate levels were determined

spectrophotometrically.

Results: The levels of Total nitrite and Nitrate in L-Deprenil using and L-Deprenil not using, and control groups

were found to be 63.8±30.1 μmol/L and 67.3±29.0 μmol/L, 62.6±16.2 μmol/L and 59.5±16.2 μmol/L, 66.2±21.8

μmol/L and 62.4±21.2 μmol/L, respectively. Serum total nitrite and nitrate levels were not significantly different

among the three groups.

Conclusion: These data do not support the concept that neuroprotective effect of L-deprenyl on cerebral tissue is

achieved by NO production. Therefore, further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to exactly clarify the cerebral

effects of L-deprenyl and the role of NO in patients with PD.

Key Words: Parkinson’s Disease; L-Deprenyl; Nitric Oxide; Total Nitrite; Nitrate.