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Changes in the mRNA Levels of α2A and α2C Adrenergic Receptors in Rat Models of Parkinson’s Disease and l-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia

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Abstract

The changes in the mRNA levels of α2A and α2C adrenoceptors were investigated in unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson’s disease and l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia using in situ hybridization. In the untreated 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, α2A expression was elevated in the locus coeruleus (160 ± 8% and 142 ± 8% in lesioned and unlesioned sides compared to the comparable side in sham-operated rats). Following long-term (21 days, twice daily) treatment with l-DOPA (25 mg/kg l-DOPA methyl ester plus benserazide 6.25 mg/kg) in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, levels of α2A adrenoceptor mRNA in the locus coeruleus were decreased, compared to the 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, returning to the levels of α2A mRNA in the sham-operated rats. α2A adrenoceptor expression was not changed in other brain regions in any treatment group. There was no change in α2C expression in the rostral or caudal striatum in which the highest density of α2C mRNA is present. In conclusion, the data presented in this study demonstrate an increase in α2A adrenoceptor mRNA in the locus coeruleus in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, the data show that repeated treatment with l-DOPA in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, which induces dyskinesia, restores α2A mRNA levels. These changes of α2A mRNA expression, observed in the locus coeruleus, might be of importance to basal ganglia transmission and motor function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Aleppo, P.O. Box. 8119, Aleppo, Syria

    Amal Alachkar

  2. Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, M5T 2S8

    Jonathan M. Brotchie

  3. Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK

    Owen T. Jones

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  1. Amal Alachkar
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  2. Jonathan M. Brotchie
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  3. Owen T. Jones
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Correspondence to Amal Alachkar.

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Alachkar, A., Brotchie, J.M. & Jones, O.T. Changes in the mRNA Levels of α2A and α2C Adrenergic Receptors in Rat Models of Parkinson’s Disease and l-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia. J Mol Neurosci 46, 145–152 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-011-9539-x

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