Dopamine-independent locomotor actions of amphetamines in a novel acute mouse model of Parkinson disease.

ABSTRACT: Brain dopamine is critically involved in movement control, and its deficiency is the primary cause of motor symptoms in Parkinson disease. Here we report development of an animal model of acute severe dopamine deficiency by using mice lacking the dopamine transporter. In the absence of transporter-mediated recycling mechanisms, dopamine levels become entirely dependent on de novo synthesis. Acute pharmacological inhibition of dopamine synthesis in these mice induces transient elimination of striatal dopamine accompanied by the development of a striking behavioral phenotype manifested as severe akinesia, rigidity, tremor, and ptosis. This phenotype can be reversed by administration of the dopamine precursor, L-DOPA, or by nonselective dopamine agonists. Surprisingly, several amphetamine der

SUBMITTER: Sotnikova TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1181539 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature