Repeated l-DOPA treatment increases c-fos and BDNF mRNAs in the subthalamic nucleus in the 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson's disease

• The subthalamic nucleus and the striatum are input regions of the basal ganglia. This study used the unilateral 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson's disease to examine effects of l-DOPA on the expression of c-fos and BDNF mRNAs in these nuclei. Dopamine depletion per se did not affect c-fos or BDNF. Both a single and repeated injections of l-DOPA induced c-fos, but not BDNF, in the dopamine-depleted striatum. However, repeated l-DOPA treatment increased c-fos and BDNF in the dopamine-depleted subthalamic nucleus. These molecular adaptations may reflect changes in neuronal plasticity that underlie some therapeutic actions and/or side effects of l-DOPA in Parkinson's disease.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmaceutiska vetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmaceutical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

basal ganglia; BDNF; immediate early gene; movement disorder

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

PHARMACY

FARMACI

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)