The evaluation of anti-parkinson drugs on reserpine-induced rigidity in rats.

The effect of anti-parkinson drugs on reserpine-induced rigidity was examined using a technique which measured rigidity by hind limb palpation. Centrally acting dopaminergic and anti-cholinergic drugs were able to antagonize reserpine-induced rigidity, whereas peripherally acting drugs had no effect. Results are discussed in terms of possible modes of action. Relative potencies of the drugs studied in this model were well correlated with the dose ranges of clinically established anti-parkinson drugs. It is concluded that measurement of reserpine-induced rigidity by hind limb palpation is a rapid and sensitive technique to evaluate potential anti-parkinson drugs.