Effect of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam in spasticity and rigidity. A quantitative study of reflexes and plasma concentrations. 1980

R Lossius, and P Dietrichson, and P K Lunde

Benzodiazepines are known to reduce increased muscle stretch reflexes. To investigate the relationship between the necessary plasma concentrations of diazepam and its major metabolite desmethyldiazepam on the one hand and the phasic and tonic ankle reflex activity on the other, 10 mg diazepam was given intravenously to nine patients, seven with spasticity due to multiple sclerosis and two with parkinsonian rigidity. Diazepam and desmethyldiazepam both had a normalizing effect on the increased phasic ankle reflex seen in spasticity. No effect was observed on the increased tonic reflexes in rigidity. The concentrations of diazepam necessary to reduce spasticity ranged between 300-2,200 mg/l and were so high that drowsiness did occur. However, the study may indicate that desmethyldiazepam has a higher potency and a more long lasting effect on the increased phasic reflexes than diazepam.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007275 Injections, Intravenous Injections made into a vein for therapeutic or experimental purposes. Intravenous Injections,Injection, Intravenous,Intravenous Injection
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009127 Muscle Rigidity Continuous involuntary sustained muscle contraction which is often a manifestation of BASAL GANGLIA DISEASES. When an affected muscle is passively stretched, the degree of resistance remains constant regardless of the rate at which the muscle is stretched. This feature helps to distinguish rigidity from MUSCLE SPASTICITY. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p73) Cogwheel Rigidity,Extrapyramidal Rigidity,Gegenhalten,Nuchal Rigidity,Rigidity, Muscular,Catatonic Rigidity,Extensor Rigidity,Cogwheel Rigidities,Gegenhaltens,Muscular Rigidity,Rigidities, Cogwheel,Rigidity, Catatonic,Rigidity, Cogwheel,Rigidity, Extensor,Rigidity, Extrapyramidal,Rigidity, Muscle,Rigidity, Nuchal
D009128 Muscle Spasticity A form of muscle hypertonia associated with upper MOTOR NEURON DISEASE. Resistance to passive stretch of a spastic muscle results in minimal initial resistance (a "free interval") followed by an incremental increase in muscle tone. Tone increases in proportion to the velocity of stretch. Spasticity is usually accompanied by HYPERREFLEXIA and variable degrees of MUSCLE WEAKNESS. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p54) Clasp-Knife Spasticity,Spastic,Clasp Knife Spasticity,Spasticity, Clasp-Knife,Spasticity, Muscle
D009129 Muscle Tonus The state of activity or tension of a muscle beyond that related to its physical properties, that is, its active resistance to stretch. In skeletal muscle, tonus is dependent upon efferent innervation. (Stedman, 25th ed) Muscle Tension,Muscle Tightness,Muscular Tension,Tension, Muscle,Tension, Muscular,Tightness, Muscle,Tonus, Muscle
D012018 Reflex An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
D003708 Nordazepam An intermediate in the metabolism of DIAZEPAM to OXAZEPAM. It may have actions similar to those of diazepam. Dealkylprazepam,Demethyldiazepam,Deoxydemoxepam,Desmethyldiazepam,Nordiazepam,Calmday,N-Desalkylhalazepam,N-Descyclopropylmethyl-Prazepam,N-Descyclopropylmethylprazepam,N-Destrifluoroethylhalazepam,Nordaz,Norprazepam,Ro 5-2180,Tranxilium N,Vegesan,N Desalkylhalazepam,N Descyclopropylmethyl Prazepam,N Descyclopropylmethylprazepam,N Destrifluoroethylhalazepam,Ro 5 2180,Ro 52180
D003975 Diazepam A benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and amnesic properties and a long duration of action. Its actions are mediated by enhancement of GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID activity. 7-Chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one,Apaurin,Diazemuls,Faustan,Relanium,Seduxen,Sibazon,Stesolid,Valium
D005260 Female Females

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