Nanomolar L-dopa facilitates release of dopamine via presynaptic beta-adrenoceptors: comparative studies on the actions in striatal slices from control and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated C57 black mice, an animal model for Parkinson's disease.

Effects of L-DOPA (0.1-10,000 nM) on spontaneous release (Sp), evoked release (S) and tissue content (C) of dopamine (DA) were studied comparatively in superfused striatal slices from control and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated C57 black mice to obtain evidence for L-DOPA-induced facilitation of S via presynaptic beta-adrenoceptors. In control slices, isoproterenol-induced concentration-dependent increases in S were propranolol-sensitive. L-DOPA at 0.1-3 nM tended to increase the S of DA with a concomitant tendency of increases in Sp. L-DOPA at 10-1 x 10(4) nM concentration-dependently increased Sp. L-DOPA at 1-10 microM tended to increase S and 10 microM increased C. In slices from MPTP-treated mice, the absolute amounts of Sp, S and C decreased by half compared to those in control slices. L-DOPA at 3 nM facilitated S without increasing Sp. This facilitation was antagonized by propranolol at 3 nM. L-DOPA at 30 nM decreased S from the peak facilitation, which contrasted with no effect in the control slices. However, 10-100 nM L-DOPA increased Sp more markedly than that in the control slices. L-DOPA at 100 nM increased S and C, which contrasted with no effect in the control slices. In conclusion, nanomolar L-DOPA facilitates the S of DA via presynaptic beta-adrenoceptors at concentrations lower than those required to induce conversion to DA even in striatal slices from the MPTP-treated mice model for Parkinson's disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Delayed L-DOPA-induced hyperalgesia

Previously we reported on L-DOPA's antinociceptive effect on substance P-induced nociceptive behaviors in mice [Shimizu T, Iwata S, Morioka H, Masuyama T, Fukuda T, Nomoto M. Antinociceptive mechanism of L-DOPA. Pain 2004;110;246-9.]. Since significant hyperalgesia was noted following antinociception, our study was designed to investigate the mechanism of this hyperalgesia. Nociceptive behaviors were enhanced 2 h after L-DOPA administration. L-DOPA induced hyperalgesia occurred after conversion to dopamine because co-administration of benserazide, a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, completely abolished the L-DOPA-induced hyperalgesia. The D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole, depressed these behaviors entirely, while the D1 antagonist, SCH23390, inhibited the enhancement of these behaviors by L-DOPA. The D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride, which induced hyperalgesia of the substance P-induced behaviors in naive mice, did not have any effects on L-DOPA-induced hyperalgesia. Spinal cord dopamine content increased rapidly after L-DOPA administration, exhibiting levels 100 times greater than baseline, and then returned to control after 1 h. These results suggested that the dopaminergic inhibitory system for pain sensation was temporarily impaired by excess amounts of exogenous dopamine that were derived from L-DOPA and both D1 and D2 receptors were involved in L-DOPA-induced hyperalgesia.     

Studies on the involvement of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in the anticonvulsant effect of dopamine agonists in various rodent models of epilepsy

Dopamine agonists with different selectivity for dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in the brain were tested for their effects: on thresholds for maximal electroshock seizures in mice and rats and for pentylenetetrazol-induced clonic seizures in mice; on seizures induced by air blast stimulation in gerbils, and on seizures induced by amygdala-kindling in rats. The mixed D-1/D-2 agonist apomorphine exerted anticonvulsant effects in all models except kindling. In gerbils and mice, the anticonvulsant action of apomorphine could be antagonized by the D-2 selective dopamine antagonist sulpiride. When injected alone, sulpiride exerted no significant effect on seizure activity. The preferential D-2 receptor agonists lisuride and (+)-PHNO [+)-4-propyl-9-hydroxynaphthoxazine) differed in their profile of action. Both compounds displayed anticonvulsant efficacy in gerbils, while only lisuride proved capable of reducing kindled seizure severity. (+)-PHNO increased the threshold for electroconvulsions in mice while lisuride was ineffective in this respect or even decreased the threshold. The reverse was obtained in regard to electroshock seizures in rats. The threshold for seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol in mice was increased significantly by lisuride but not by (+)-PHNO. The selective dopamine D-1 receptor agonist SKF 38393-A exerted no anticonvulsant effect in any seizure test except a moderate increase of the electroconvulsive threshold in mice. In contrast, the dopamine precursor L-DOPA (injected after pretreatment with carbidopa) proved capable of reducing seizure activity in all models. In mice, the increase in the threshold for maximal electroshock seizures induced by L-DOPA was significantly reduced by sulpiride, which also attenuated the anticonvulsant effect of L-DOPA in gerbils. Collectively, the data indicate that dopamine D-2 receptors mediate the anticonvulsant effect of dopamine agonist and, at least in part, of L-DOPA whereas D-1 receptors seem not to be involved.     

Effect of CGS 19755, a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, on general anesthetic potency

CGS 19755 is a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist which penetrates the blood-brain barrier. The effect of pretreatment with subanesthetic doses of CGS 19755 on general anesthetic potency was determined in mice. Mice were pretreated with saline or CGS 19755 by intraperitoneal (IP) administration 30 min before IP administration of an anesthetic dose of ethanol or pentobarbital or measurement of the volatile anesthetic minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). CGS 19755 increased the duration of ethanol- and pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose of CGS 19755 tested, 50 mg/kg, increased duration of loss of righting reflex by about four- and twofold for ethanol and pentobarbital, respectively. CGS 19755 also decreased the MAC for halothane. However, CGS 19755 pretreatment had no effect on the MAC for diethyl ether. These results suggest that the potency of certain general anesthetic agents can be increased by antagonism of brain NMDA receptors.     

The A1 allele of the human D2 dopamine receptor gene is associated with increased activity of striatal L-amino acid decarboxylase in healthy subjects

The A1 allele of the TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the human dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) is associated with a low density of D2 dopamine receptors in the striatum. Because of the important role of D2 autoreceptors in regulating dopamine synthesis, we aimed to examine whether subjects with the A1 allele have altered presynaptic dopamine function in the brain. We also studied the effects of two other DRD2 polymorphisms, C957 T and--141C Ins/Del, which have been suggested to affect D2 receptor levels in brain. The relationships between the TaqIA RFLP, C957 T and--141C Ins/Del polymorphisms and striatal dopamine synthesis in 33 healthy Finnish volunteers were studied using positron emission tomography and [18F]fluorodopa ([18F]FDOPA), a radiolabelled analog of the dopamine precursor L-DOPA. Heterozygous carriers of the A1 allele (A1/A2; 10 subjects) had significantly higher (18%) [18F]FDOPA uptake in the putamen than subjects without the A1 allele (A2/A2; 23 subjects). C957 T and--141C Ins/Del polymorphisms did not significantly affect [18F]FDOPA Ki values. These results demonstrate that the A1 allele of DRD2 gene is associated with increased striatal activity of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, the final enzyme in the biosynthesis of dopamine and the rate-limiting enzyme for trace amine (e.g. beta-phenylethylamine) synthesis. The finding can be explained by lower D2 receptor expression leading to decreased autoreceptor function, and suggests that dopamine and/or trace amine synthesis rate is increased in the brains of A1 allele carriers.     

Lesions of the mesotelencephalic dopamine system enhance the effects of selective dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonists on striatal acetylcholine release.

In vivo microdialysis was used to determine the effects of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the mesotelencephalic dopamine system on dopamine receptor agonist induced changes in extracellular acetylcholine (ACh) concentrations in the striatum. Such lesions increased the inhibitory effect of a low dose of the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (0.05 mg/kg s.c.) on striatal ACh release. In addition, 6-OHDA lesions enhanced the facilitatory effect of the selective D1 receptor agonist CY 208-243 on striatal ACh release, enabling a subthreshold (0.2 mg/kg s.c.) dose to increase striatal dialysate concentrations of ACh by over 60%. These results indicate that denervation supersensitivity potentiates both the facilitatory effects of D1 receptor agonists and the inhibitory effects of D2 receptor agonists on striatal cholinergic activity. It was also found that the 6-OHDA lesions reduced basal interstitial ACh concentrations by 75% in the ipsilateral striatum. The later results are consistent with the hypothesis that the prepotent action of dopamine in the forebrain is to enhance striatal ACh release via a D1 receptor mechanism.     

Interactions between histamine H3 and dopamine D2 receptors and the implications for striatal function

The striatum contains a high density of histamine H(3) receptors, but their role in striatal function is poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated antagonistic interactions between striatal H(3) and dopamine D(1) receptors at the biochemical level, while contradictory results have been reported about interactions between striatal H(3) and dopamine D(2) receptors. In this study, by using reserpinized mice, we demonstrate the existence of behaviorally significant antagonistic postsynaptic interactions between H(3) and D(1) and also between H(3) and dopamine D(2) receptors. The selective H(3) receptor agonist imetit inhibited, while the H(3) receptor antagonist thioperamide potentiated locomotor activation induced by either the D(1) receptor agonist SKF 38393 or the D(2) receptor agonist quinpirole. High scores of locomotor activity were obtained with H(3) receptor blockade plus D(1) and D(2) receptor co-activation, i.e., when thioperamide was co-administered with both SKF 38393 and quinpirole. Radioligand binding experiments in striatal membrane preparations showed the existence of a strong and selective H(3)-D(2) receptor interaction at the membrane level. In agonist/antagonist competition experiments, stimulation of H(3) receptors with several H(3) receptor agonists significantly decreased the affinity of D(2) receptors for the agonist. This kind of intramembrane receptor-receptor interactions are a common biochemical property of receptor heteromers. In fact, by using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer techniques in co-transfected HEK-293 cells, H(3) (but not H(4)) receptors were found to form heteromers with D(2) receptors. This study demonstrates an important role of postsynaptic H(3) receptors in the modulation of dopaminergic transmission by means of a negative modulation of D(2) receptor function.     

Dopamine D1 receptor and dopamine D2 receptor binding activity changes during chronic administration of nicotine in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mice

The effect of nicotine on MPTP-induced changes in striatal dopamine receptors binding activity was investigated. Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors were labeled with [3H]SCH-23390 and [3H]spiperone respectively in BALB/cBy mice. With administration of only MPTP, which caused more than an 80% decrease in striatal dopamine level, binding of 0.15 nM [3H]spiperone was increased by 37%; whereas 0.3 nM [3H]SCH-23390 binding was unchanged. With chronic nicotine treatment (0.4 mg/kg twice daily for 7-9 days), [3H]SCH-23390 binding activity was increased by 27% and [3H]spiperone binding activity was unchanged. When nicotine was administered after MPTP, their separate effects could be seen in that both the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor ligand binding activities were increased and that nicotine elevated the ratio of D1/D2 receptor binding activities in MPTP-treated mice.     

Loss of synaptic D1 dopamine/N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor complexes in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in the rat

Glutamate-mediated mechanisms are related to the motor complications of L-DOPA therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). In striatal postsynaptic densities (PSD), the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) is part of an oligomeric complex with the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), determining the strength of corticostriatal transmission. We studied D1R/NMDAR complex alterations induced by L-DOPA in the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of PD. L-DOPA-treated hemiparkinsonian rats were determined to be dyskinetic or nondyskinetic based on behavioral testing. D1R/NMDAR assemblies containing NR1-C2 and NR2B subunits were decreased in the PSD of lesioned striatum. Short-term L-DOPA administration improved akinesia and restored the synaptic abundance of D1R, NR1-C2 and NR2B. Prolonged L-DOPA treatment also normalized synaptic D1R/NMDAR complexes in nondyskinetic rats, but remarkably reduced them in the dyskinetic group without changing their interaction. This decrease involved NR1-C2, NR1-C2', NR2A, and NR2B subunits. The composition of residual synaptic D1R/NMDAR complexes in dyskinetic rats may thus be different from that observed in lesioned rats, suggesting that expression of different motor dysfunctions might be related to the receptor profile at corticostriatal synapses. The levels of D1R/NMDAR complexes were unchanged in total striatal membrane proteins, suggesting that the decrease of these species in the PSD is likely to reflect an altered receptor trafficking. In human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing the D1R/NMDAR, complex costimulation of both D1R and NMDAR, but not individual receptor activation, promoted internalization, suggesting that development of dyskinesias might be related to agonist-mediated down-regulation of the D1R/NMDAR complex at corticostriatal synapses.     

Effects of adenosine agonist R-phenylisopropyl-adenosine on halothane anesthesia and antinociception in rats

Aim: To investigate the antinociceptive effect of adenosine agonist Rphenylisopropyl-adenosine (R-PIA) given to conscious rats by intracerebroventricular (ICV) and intrathecal (IT), and identify the effect of R-PIA on minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of halothane with pretreatment of A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) or K^ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with 24gauge stainless steel guide cannula using stereotaxic apparatus and ICV method, and an IT catheter (PE-10, 8.5 cm) was inserted into the lumbar subarachnoid space, while the rats were under pentobarbital anesthesia. After one week of recovery from surgery, rats were randomly assigned to one of the following protocols: MAC of halothane, or tail-flick latency. All measurements were performed after R-PIA (0.8-2.0 ug) microinjection into ICV and IT with or without pretreatment of DPCPX or 4-AP. Results: Microinjection of adenosine agonist RPIA in doses of 0.8-2.0 ug into ICV and IT produced a significant dose- and timedependent antinociceptive action as reflected by increasing latency times and ICV administration of adenosine agonist R-PIA (0.8 ug) reducing halothane anesthetic requirements (by 29%). The antinociception and reducing halothane requirements effected by adenosine agonist R-PIA was abolished by DPCPX and 4-AP. Conclusion: ICV and IT administration of adenosine agonist R-PIA produced an antinociceptive effect in a dose-dependent manner and decreased halothane MAC with painful stimulation through activation of A1 receptor subtype, and the underlying mechanism involves K^ channel activation.     

激动多巴胺受体抑制大鼠纹状体脑片Ca^2＋—钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶Ⅱ活性

目的：研究缺氧时纹状体多巴胺能神经毒性的机制。方法：采用大鼠纹状体脑片体外培养模型。以底物磷酸化^32P-掺入法测定Ca^2 -钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶Ⅱ（CCDPKⅡ）的活性。结果：缺氧30min,纹状体脑片CCDPKⅡ活性降低75％,慢性利血平化使得缺氧诱导的酶活性降低程度减轻,与对照组相比大约降低40％。外源性多巴胺显著降低纹状体脑片CCDPKⅡ活性。去除胞外Ca^2 后,多巴胺诱导的酶活性降低作用被削弱。阿扑吗啡（非特异性多巴胺受体激动剂）、SKF38393（特异性D1样受体激动剂）和喹吡罗（特异性D2样受体动剂）均可显著降低CCDPKⅡ的活性。Sch-23390(特异性D1样受体拮抗剂）和吗丁啉（特异性D2样受体拮抗剂）均可拮抗多巴胺所诱导的酶活性的抑制作用。结论：多巴胺参与缺氧诱导的纹状体CCDPKⅡ活性抑制,其作用机制与D1样和D2样受体的激活以及胞外Ca^2 的内流有关,从而导致多巴胺介导的纹状体神经损伤。     

Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors visualized in MPTP treated C57 mice by in vitro autoradiography: lack of evidence of receptor modifications in parkinsonian mice

The effect of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on D1 and D2 dopamine receptors was assayed using in vitro quantitative autoradiography. D1 receptor subtype was labeled using 1 nM of 3H-SCH 23390 and D2 receptor subtype was labeled using 0.4 nM of 3H-spiroperidol. The results are compared to the effect of MPTP on the striatal levels of dopamine and its metabolites, in BL C57 mice. While 2 and 5 doses of MPTP 30 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally reduced the content of striatal dopamine and its metabolites, no modifications were detected in D2 receptor subtype in any cerebral area studied. However, D1 receptors were reduced in the substantia nigra 24 hr after the last of 2 doses, but not later. We suggest a compensatory mechanism of the surviving dopaminergic neurones as well as the participation of spare receptors. This would explain the lack of receptor modification after the lesion obtained as seen by the striatal reduction of dopamine and metabolites content, after MPTP administration.     

多巴胺受体拮抗剂对缺氧诱导的大鼠脑Ca^2＋—钙调素依赖性蛋白？…

AIM: To study the effect of dopamine receptor antagonists on anoxia-induced inhibition of Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CCDPK II) activity in rat hippocampus and striatum. METHODS: Using the rat hippocampal and striatal slices under 95% N2 + 5% CO2, the activity of CCDPK II was examined by 32P-incorporation. RESULTS: Under anoxia for 30 min, the CCDPK II activity decreased to 29.2% and 27.0% of the control in rat hippocampal and striatal slices, respectively. Preincubation with Sch-23390 (a specific D1-like dopamine receptor antagonist), or domperidone (a specific D2-like dopamine receptor antagonist), resulted in a concentration-dependent attenuation of the anoxia-induced inhibition of CCDPK II activity which was preserved up to about 60%. CONCLUSION: Dopamine receptor stimulation is involved in anoxia-induced inhibition of CCDPK II activity in rat hippocampus and striatum.     

Changes in striatal electroencephalography and neurochemistry induced by kainic acid seizures are modified by dopamine receptor antagonists

We investigated the involvement of striatal dopamine release in electrographic and motor seizure activity evoked by kainic acid in the guinea pig. The involvement of the dopamine receptor subtypes was studied by systemic administration of the dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist, R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride (SCH 23390; 0.5 mg kg(-1)), or the dopamine D(2) antagonist, (5-aminosulphonyl)-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-methyl]-2-methoxybenzamide (sulpiride, 30 mg kg(-1)). Microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography were used to monitor changes in extracellular levels of striatal dopamine and its metabolites, glutamate, aspartate and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). These data were correlated with changes in the striatal and cortical electroencephalographs and clinical signs. We found that, although neither dopamine receptor antagonist inhibited behavioural seizure activity, blockade of the dopamine D(1)-like receptor with SCH 23390 significantly reduced both the 'power' of the electrical seizure activity and the associated change in extracellular striatal concentration of glutamate, whilst increasing the extracellular striatal concentration of GABA. In contrast, blockade of the dopamine D(2)-like receptor with sulpiride significantly increased the extracellular, striatal content of glutamate and the dopamine metabolites. These results confirm previous evidence in other models of chemically-evoked seizures that antagonism of the dopamine D(1) receptor tends to reduce motor and electrographic seizure activity as well as excitatory amino-acid transmitter activity, while antagonism of the dopamine D(2) receptor has relatively less apparent effect.     

Effect of chronic estradiol treatment on brain dopamine receptor reappearance after irreversible blockade: an autoradiographic study.

Quantitative autoradiography was used to investigate dopamine receptor repopulation kinetics after irreversible dopamine receptor inactivation with N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). The striatum and substantia nigra of two groups of ovariectomized female rats were compared. One group of rats was pretreated with estradiol (10 micrograms, twice daily, for 2 weeks), and another group received the vehicle. Striatal D1 dopamine receptors had larger degradation and production rate constants, compared with D2 receptors. The D2 receptor degradation rate constant increased rostro-caudally in the striatum of vehicle-treated rats, whereas this was not observed for estradiol-treated animals. A trend similar to that for D2 receptors was observed for the D1 receptor degradation rate constant in the striatum of vehicle-treated rats, whereas in estradiol-treated animals this constant decreased rostro-caudally. In the anterior and the middle parts of the striatum D2 receptor recovery parameters were not affected by chronic estradiol treatment, but in the posterior part estradiol-treated rats had lower receptor degradation and production rate constants. In the anterior part of the striatum, chronic estradiol treatment did not affect the recovery parameters of D1 receptors, whereas lowered receptor degradation and production rate constants were observed in the middle and posterior parts. D1 receptor recovery parameters in the substantia nigra were not affected by chronic estradiol treatment. After EEDQ administration to vehicle-treated rats, striatal dopamine levels decreased gradually, to reach a minimum 4 days later, and returned to control values after 7 days. In estradiol-treated rats, however, dopamine levels increased 2 days after EEDQ. Levels of the dopamine metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid increased in the striatum after EEDQ administration in vehicle-treated rats. Even greater increases that lasted longer were observed in estradiol-treated rats after EEDQ. Striatal levels of serotonin and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were not significantly affected by EEDQ or estradiol administration. In summary, estradiol decreased striatal D1 and D2 receptor degradation rate constants, with the greatest effect being observed in the caudal part of the striatum. EEDQ dopamine receptor inactivation also revealed an increase of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum after estradiol treatment.     

多巴胺受体激动剂对乙醇引起大鼠纹状体抗坏血酸释放的影响

目的　研究多巴胺受体激动剂对乙醇引起大鼠纹状体抗坏血酸 (AA)释放的影响。方法　应用脑内透析技术结合高效液相电化学检测的方法。结果　乙醇 (3 0 g·kg-1,ip)显著增加纹状体抗坏血酸释放 ,高于基础水平的 2 0 0 %左右。多巴胺D1受体激动剂SKF 38393(10mg·kg-1,ip)对纹状体AA释放及乙醇引起纹状体AA释放均无显著影响。多巴胺D2 受体激动剂LY 1715 5 5 (0 5 ,1 0mg·kg-1,ip)显著增加纹状体AA释放及乙醇引起纹状体AA释放 ,但LY1715 5 5与乙醇对纹状体抗坏血酸释放的增加没有协同作用。具有多巴胺D1受体强拮抗剂和D2 受体强激动剂特性的溴隐亭 (10mg·kg-1,ip)在给药后 6 0min内对纹状体AA释放及乙醇引起纹状体AA释放均有显著的增加作用 ,且两者有协同作用。非选择性多巴胺受体激动剂阿扑吗啡也能增加纹状体AA释放及乙醇引起纹状体AA释放 ,而 0 2mg·kg-1的阿扑吗啡与乙醇有协同作用 ,0 4,0 8mg·kg-1的阿扑吗啡与乙醇没有协同作用。结论　多巴胺D2 受体的兴奋参与调节纹状体AA的释放 ,兴奋D2 受体同时抑制D1受体能够协同乙醇引起的大鼠纹状体抗坏血酸释放的作用。     

Dopamine D1-dependent trafficking of striatal N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors requires Fyn protein tyrosine kinase but not DARPP-32

Interactions between dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems in the striatum are thought to underlie both the symptoms and adverse effects of treatment of Parkinson's disease. We have previously reported that activation of the dopamine D1 receptor triggers a rapid redistribution of striatal N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors between intracellular and postsynaptic sub-cellular compartments. To unravel the signaling pathways underlying this trafficking, we studied mice with targeted disruptions of either the gene that encodes the dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32), a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1, or the protein tyrosine kinase Fyn. In striatal tissue from DARPP-32-depleted mice, basal tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of striatal NMDA receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, and NR2B was normal, and activation of dopamine D1 receptors with the agonist SKF-82958 [(+/-)-6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetra-hydro-1H-benzazepine] produced redistribution of NMDA receptors from vesicular compartments (P3 and LP2) to synaptosomal membranes (LP1). In the Fyn knockout mice, basal tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2A and NR2B was drastically reduced, whereas serine phosphorylation of these NMDA subunits was unchanged. In the Fyn knockout mice, the dopamine D1 receptor agonist failed to induce subcellular redistribution of NMDA receptors. In addition, Fyn-depleted mice lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine also failed to exhibit l-DOPA-induced behavioral sensitization, but this may be caused, at least in part, by resistance of these mice to the neurotoxic lesion. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for the trafficking of striatal NMDA receptors by signaling pathways that are independent of DARPP-32 but require Fyn protein tyrosine kinase. Strategies that prevent NMDA receptor subcellular redistribution through inhibition of Fyn kinase may prove useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.     

Diminished decarboxylation of l-dopa in rat striatum after intrastriatal injections of kainic acid

Injection of kainic acid into rat striatum reduced striatal DOPA decarboxylase activity by 20% as compared with that in control unlesioned sides. After administration of L-DOPA, concentrations of dopamine (but not DOPA) were lower (by 33%) in lesioned than in control striata indicating decreased in vivo formation of dopamine from exogenous DOPA after kainate lesions. These findings suggest that in the rat, a significant part of striatal DOPA decarboxylase activity i·s localized in neurons originating within the striatum (interneurons and/or efferents) whose perikaria are selectively destroyed by kainic acid.     

Neurokinin B/NK3 receptors exert feedback inhibition on L-DOPA actions in the 6-OHDA lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease

Neurokinin B (NKB) and substance P (SP) act via NK(3) and NK(1) receptors. Using the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD), it was found that chronic, but not acute, administration of L-DOPA increases striatal NKB expression in the dopamine-depleted hemisphere. In contrast, both acute and chronic administrations of L-DOPA restore reduced levels of SP mRNA. Co-treatment with the NK(3) receptor antagonist, SB222200, and L-DOPA increased contralateral rotations compared to L-DOPA alone in L-DOPA primed rats. The NK(3)R agonist, senktide, increased the phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) at Ser(19)-TH, a CaMKII site, and of Thr(286)-CaMKII in striatal slices. Senktide had no effect on P-Ser(31)-TH, a MAPK site, but reduced P-Ser(217/221)-MEK. Amperometry demonstrated that senktide increased evoked dopamine release. SB222200 blocked the effects of senktide. In striatal slices prepared from 6-OHDA-lesioned rats repeatedly treated with L-DOPA, senktide no longer increased P-Thr(286)-CaMKII, suggesting a role of NK(3)R on dopamine terminals under normal conditions. SB222200 increased P-Ser(217/221)-MEK only in dopamine-depleted slices, indicating an increased NK(3)R tone under Parkinsonism conditions. Altogether, these data demonstrate a differential regulation of NKB and SP by L-DOPA in an animal model of PD and indicate a unique role of NKB in long-term effects of L-DOPA. Behavioural, biochemical and amperometric data indicate that NKB/NK(3)R signalling stimulates dopamine transmission at the presynaptic site, but inhibits it at the postsynaptic site. The inhibitory influence of NKB/NK(3)R on dopamine transmission dominates in an animal model of PD and provides a feedback inhibition on actions mediated via L-DOPA.     

Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors cause motor deficits in mice.

We investigated possible motor effects of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), an neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an non-selective NOS inhibitor in mice using catalepsy and pole tests in comparison with dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist, haloperidol. We also studied the change in dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) contents of these compounds. The administration of 7-NI and L-NAME (40-160 mg/kg, s.c.) dose-dependently induced motor deficit in both catalepsy and pole tests. The motor deficit induced by 7-NI was more pronounced than the one produced by L-NAME. In contrast, haloperidol showed a marked motor deficit in mice. Haloperidol showed a marked motor deficit as compared with 7-NI and L-NAME. For dopamine, DOPAC and HVA contents, haloperidol exhibited a significant decrease in dopamine content and a significant increase in DOPAC and HVA content in the striatum. In contrast, 7-NI showed a significant increase in the striatal dopamine content. However, 7-NI had no significant change in the striatal DOPAC and HVA contents. On the other hand, no significant change in the striatal dopamine, DOPAC and HVA contents was observed in L-NAME-treated mice. The present study also showed that the motor deficit induced by 7-NI or L-NAME was significantly attenuated by the treatment with L-arginine. These results demonstrate that NOS inhibitors as well as dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist haloperidol can induce motor deficit in mice. The present study also suggests that the mechanism in the motor deficit caused by NOS inhibitors may be different from that in the motor deficit induced by haloperidol. Furthermore, our findings suggest that nNOS may play some role in control of motor behavior.