The preventative role of antioxidants (selegiline and vitamin E) in a rat model of tardive dyskinesia

Background: We examined the potential protective effects of two potent antioxidants, selegiline and vitamin E, in a rodent model of tardive dyskinesia (TD), viz. neuroleptic-induced spontaneous orofacial movements. Methods: Rats were treated with fortnightly injections of fluphenazine decanoate far 12 weeks, and examined at baseline and at fortnightly intervals for vacuous chewing movements, mouth tremors and tongue protrusions. Results: The administration of fluphenazine led ro a progressive increase of all three types of orofacial movements. In the first study, the impact of the concomitant administration of selegiline on orofacial movements was examined. Selegiline led to a reduction in orofacial movements in neuroleptic-treated rats to the level of control rats riot being administered a neuroleptic drug. In the second study rats were fed diets either high or low in their vitamin E content. High and low vitamin E diets did nor significantly affect neuroleptic-induced orofacial movements. Conclusions: Our studies provide some support for the hypothesis that oxidative injury may play a role in the genesis of neuroleptic-induced movement disorder and prompt further examination of this hypothesis in both animals and humans. Biol Psychiatry 1999;46: 1672-1681 (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry.