Riluzole Ameliorates Harmaline-Induced Tremor in Rat

Introduction: Excessive olivo-cerebellar burst-firing occurs during harmaline-induced tremor. We hypothesized that antiglutamatergic agents would suppress harmaline tremor. From this point of view, the aim of current study was to investigate the effects of riluzole on harmaline-induced tremor in rat. Material and Methods: Four groups of Wistar rats weighing 80–100 g were injected with harmaline (30 mg/kg i.p.) for inducing experimental tremors. The rats in group 1 served as control, whereas the animals in groups 2, 3 and 4 were also given riluzole intraperitonealy at doses of 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg 30 min before and 90 min after harmaline administration. The onset latency, intensity and duration of tremor were recorded. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that riluzole could significantly increase latency period, and reduce duration and intensity of tremor. Discussion: It is concluding that pretreatment of riluzole can ameliorate harmaline-induced tremor in rats.