Hypertension Research
Online ISSN : 1348-4214
Print ISSN : 0916-9636
ISSN-L : 0916-9636
Effects of Acute Levodopa Administration on Blood Pressure and Heart Variability in Never Treated Parkinsonians
Jean-Michel SénardPatrick VerwaerdeOlivier RascolJean-Louis Montastruc
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1995 Volume 18 Issue SupplementI Pages S175-S177

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Abstract

The effects of Levodopa on autonomic nervous system (ANS) were investigated through the measurement of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) variability in 15 de novo parkinsonian who never received dopaminergic drugs. BP and HR were obtained using digital photoplethysmography in supine and standing positions. Measurements were achieved 90min after administration, in a double blind cross-over way, of placebo or levodopa (200mg)+benserazide (50mg). Spectral analysis was performed using fast Fourier transformation (FFT) on 512 consecutive SBP and HR values. Spectral modulus was integrated for calculation of total spectra and of low frequency (LF: 66-129mHz) or high frequency band (HF: respiratory frequency±50mHz). After placebo, orthostatism was followed by a significant increase in BP and HR whereas relative variabilities in LF and HF remained unchanged. After Levodopa, BP was significantly lower in supine position without changes in HR and LF. During orthostatism, changes observed in BP and in FFT were similar to those observed during placebo period. These data indicate that levodopa reduces supine and standing BP but does not impair orthostatic adaptation. This effect is not due to modification of BP or HR variability and appears to independant of any direct effect on ANS. (Hypertens Res 1995; 18 Suppl. I: S175-S177)

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