SR-57746A, a growth factor like compound. Dose ranging study of the efficacy using muscle testing and repeated measures of EMG variables in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
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文摘
SR-57746A is a xenobiotic with a high and selective affinity for 5-HT1A receptors. In preclinical studies, it was shown to have neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity probably independent from its 5HT activity. The therapeutic activity of SR-57746A in ALS patient was assessed in a phase II double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The change in motor function was evaluated in 78 patients with definite or probable ALS through repeated manual muscle testings (MMT) and electromyograms. Each patient was examined every 8 weeks during a 6 month period. MMT assessed 20 muscle functions. Conventional electromyography was performed using a Viking II apparatus. Activity at rest, mean amplitude of muscle action potentials (MUP), and pattern of MUPS recruitment from 8 muscles were recorded. Mean amplitude and surface of the compound muscle action potential, as well as motor nerve conduction velocity, were determined in 8 nerves (median, ulnar, axillary, fibular on both sides). As this writing, the trial is still ongoing. Upper, lower limbs and total composite scores of these electromyographic variables will be computed and metric qualities of these will be compared to those of MMT. Results will be presented and discussed focusing on the potential role of electromyography in the evaluation tools in ALS therapeutic trials.