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Hyperthermic syndromes and impairment of the dopaminergic system: A clinical study

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Abstract

We present 8 cases of centrally-originating hyperthermic syndrome, the intial cause being either neuroleptic malingnant syndrome, hyperthemia after discontinuance of antiparkinsonian therapy or heatstroke. We review the physiological and neurochemical mechanisms involved in thermoregulation, emphasizing the role of dopamine. A single mechanism, consistent with pharmacological or neuropathological impairment of the dopaminergic system, could be responsible for all the cases of hyperthermic syndrome presented.

Sommario

Vengono presentati 8 casi di ipertermia legata ad un primitivo coinvolgimento del sistema termoregolatore centrale, comprendenti la sindrome maligna da neurolettici, l'ipertermia da sospensione di farmaci antiparkinsoniani, e il colpo di calore. In una breve rassegna dei meccanismi fisiologici e neurochimici alla base della termoregolazione, viene sottolineato il ruolo predominante svolto dalla dopamina. Alla base di tutti i casi di sindrome ipertermica presentati, gli autori ipotizzano un unico meccanismo consistente in una alterazione farmacologicamente indotta o neuropatologica del sistema dopaminergico.

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  1. Divisione di Neurologia, Ospedale S. Filippo Neri, Via G. Martinotti 20, 00135, Roma

    Figà-Talamanca L. & Gualandi C.

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Figà-Talamanca, L., Gualandi, C. Hyperthermic syndromes and impairment of the dopaminergic system: A clinical study. Ital J Neuro Sci 10, 49–59 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02333872

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