6-Hydroxydopamine lesions of rat substantia nigra up-regulate dopamine-induced phosphorylation of the cAMP-response element-binding protein in striatal neurons

Dopamine depletion induces neuron-specific alterations of GABAergic transmission in the mouse striatum

Lack of dopamine (DA) in the striatum and the consequential dysregulation of thalamocortical circuits are major causes of motor impairments in Parkinson's disease. The striatum receives multiple cortical and subcortical afferents. Its role in movement control and motor skills learning is regulated by DA from the nigrostriatal pathway. In Parkinson's disease, DA loss affects striatal network activity and induces a functional imbalance of its output pathways, impairing thalamocortical function. Striatal projection neurons are GABAergic and form two functionally antagonistic pathways: the direct pathway, originating from DA receptor type 1-expressing medium spiny neurons (D₁ R-MSN), and the indirect pathway, from D₂ R-MSN. Here, we investigated whether DA depletion in mouse striatum also affects GABAergic function. We recorded GABAergic miniature IPSCs (mIPSC) and tonic inhibition from D₁ R- and D₂ R-MSN and used immunohistochemical labeling to study GABA_A R function and subcellular distribution in DA-depleted and control mice. We observed slower decay kinetics and increased tonic inhibition in D₁ R-MSN, while D₂ R-MSN had increased mIPSC frequency after DA depletion. Perisomatic synapses containing the GABA_A R subunits α₁ or α₂ were not affected, but there was a strong decrease in non-synaptic GABA_A Rs containing these subunits, suggesting altered receptor trafficking. To broaden these findings, we also investigated GABA_A Rs in GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons and found cell type-specific alterations in receptor distribution, likely reflecting changes in connectivity. Our results reveal that chronic DA depletion alters striatal GABAergic transmission, thereby affecting cellular and circuit activity. These alterations either result from pathological changes or represent a compensatory mechanism to counteract imbalance of output pathways.

Riluzole Attenuates L-DOPA-Induced Abnormal Involuntary Movements Through Decreasing CREB1 Activity: Insights from a Rat Model

Chronic administration of L-DOPA, the first-line treatment of dystonic symptoms in childhood or in Parkinson's disease, often leads to the development of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs), which represent an important clinical problem. Although it is known that Riluzole attenuates L-DOPA-induced AIMs, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not understood. Therefore, we studied the behavior and performed RNA sequencing of the striatum in three groups of rats that all received a unilateral lesion with 6-hydroxydopamine in their medial forebrain bundle, followed by the administration of saline, L-DOPA, or L-DOPA combined with Riluzole. First, we provide evidence that Riluzole attenuates AIMs in this rat model. Subsequently, analysis of the transcriptomics data revealed that Riluzole is predicted to reduce the activity of CREB1, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of multiple proteins that interact in a molecular landscape involved in apoptosis. Although this mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of Riluzole on AIMs needs to be confirmed, it provides clues towards novel or existing compounds for the treatment of AIMs that modulate the activity of CREB1 and, hence, its downstream targets.

D1 Dopamine Receptor Supersensitivity in the Dopamine-Depleted Striatum Animal Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Dopamine acts in the striatum principally through the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes, which are segregated to the direct and indirect striatal projection neurons, respectively. As a consequence, degeneration of the dopamine input to the striatum results in opposing affects in these pathways. The resulting functional imbalance is thought to be responsible for the bradykinesia of Parkinson’s disease, which may be temporarily normalized by dopamine replacement therapy. However, direct striatal projection neurons become irreversibly supersensitive to D1 dopamine receptor activation, despite the fact that there is an actual decrease in receptor number. Recent studies show that this D1-supersensitive response results from a switch from the normal D1-mediated activation of protein-kinase A to an aberrant activation of ERK1/2/MAPkinase. This switch in D1-receptor-mediated regulation of protein kinase systems responsible for neuronal plasticity is suggested to underlie dyskinesia produced by L-DOPA treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

A Review of Sleep and Its Disorders in Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Relation to Various Brain Structures

Sleep is an indispensable normal physiology of the human body fundamental for healthy functioning. It has been observed that Parkinson's disease (PD) not only exhibits motor symptoms, but also non-motor symptoms such as metabolic irregularities, altered olfaction, cardiovascular dysfunction, gastrointestinal complications and especially sleep disorders which is the focus of this review. A good understanding and knowledge of the different brain structures involved and how they function in the development of sleep disorders should be well comprehended in order to treat and alleviate these symptoms and enhance quality of life for PD patients. Therefore it is vital that the normal functioning of the body in relation to sleep is well understood before proceeding on to the pathophysiology of PD correlating to its symptoms. Suitable treatment can then be administered toward enhancing the quality of life of these patients, perhaps even discovering the cause for this disease.

CREB involvement in the regulation of striatal prodynorphin by nicotine

RATIONALE

The transcription factor cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein plays a pivotal role in drug-dependent neuronal plasticity. CREB phosphorylation at Ser133 is enhanced by drugs of abuse, including nicotine. Dynorphin (Dyn) contributes to the addictive process and its precursor gene prodynorphin (PD) is regulated by CREB. PD mRNA and Dyn synthesis were enhanced in the striatum following acute nicotine, suggesting genomic regulation.

OBJECTIVE

These studies investigated PD transcription in mice acutely treated with nicotine, determined the role of CREB, and characterized the receptors involved.

RESULTS

Acute nicotine increased adenylyl cyclase activity, cAMP, and pCREB Ser133 levels in striatum and enhanced CREB binding to CRE elements (DynCREs) of the PD promoter, preferentially DynCRE3. DynCRE3 binding was dose dependent with 1 mg of nicotine giving a maximal response. Additionally, DynCRE binding was time dependent, rising by 15 min, reaching a maximum at 1 h, and returning to control by 3 h, a temporal pattern similar to that of cAMP and pCREB. Supershift experiments showed that CREB and pCREB Ser133 were the major contributors to DynCRE3 binding complex. The nAChR antagonist mecamylamine and the dopamine D1-like receptor antagonist SCH 23390 prevented the nicotine-induced increase of pCREB and nuclear protein binding to DynCRE3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that nicotine regulates PD expression in striatum at the transcriptional level and CREB is involved. Dopamine D1 receptor stimulation by nAChR-released dopamine appears to be an underlying mechanism. Altered Dyn synthesis might be relevant for the behavioral actions of nicotine and especially its aversive properties.

Amphetamine-evoked rotation requires newly synthesized dopamine at 14 days but not 1 day after intranigral 6-OHDA and is consistently dissociated from sensorimotor behavior

Immediately after unilateral, intranigral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), amphetamine (AMPH) evokes "paradoxical" contraversive rotation, whereas 14 days later, AMPH evokes the traditional ipsiversive rotation used to model the chronic Parkinsonian state. In this study, the hypothesis was that accelerated dopamine (DA) synthesis ipsilateral to the lesion augments cytoplasmic DA to produce paradoxical rotation. Therefore, the sensitivity to synthesis inhibition of AMPH-evoked rotation at 1 or 14 days after 6-OHDA was assessed. To determine the functional status that might be reflected by paradoxical rotation, sensorimotor abilities were examined at 1 and 14 days following unilateral 6-OHDA using the elevated swing, paw placement, grip strength, ladder walking, somatosensory neglect, and cylinder tests. At 14 days after 6-OHDA when AMPH-evoked ipsiversive rotation is mediated by the intact hemisphere, rotation was dose-dependently reduced by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) inhibition with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MPT) or dopa decarboxylase (DDC) inhibition with 3-hydroxybenzyl hydrazine (NSD-1015), indicating dependence upon newly synthesized DA. Conversely, at 1 day after 6-OHDA, paradoxical rotation, presumably mediated by the treated hemisphere, was completely resistant to synthesis blockade, indicating an abundant supply of intracellular DA that is independent from synthesis rates. Sensorimotor behaviors were not correlated with AMPH-evoked rotation. The present data do not support the hypothesis that enhanced DA synthesis is required to express paradoxical rotation. Therefore, alternative mechanisms that may enhance cytoplasmic DA to produce paradoxical rotation are discussed.

Priming for l-dopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease: a feature inherent to the treatment or the disease?

Involuntary movements, or dyskinesia, represent a debilitating complication of levodopa therapy for Parkinson's disease ultimately experienced by the vast majority of patients. This article does not review the increased understanding of dyskinesia pathophysiology we have seen during the past few years but, instead, specifically focuses upon the very first molecular events thought to be responsible for the establishment of dyskinesia and generally grouped under the term of "priming". Priming is classically defined as the process by which the brain becomes sensitized such that administration of a dopaminergic therapy modifies the response to subsequent dopaminergic treatments. In this way, over time, with repeated treatment, the chance of dopaminergic stimulation eliciting dyskinesia is increased and once dyskinesia has been established, the severity of dyskinesia increases. In this opinion review, however, we aim at strongly opposing the common view of priming. We propose, and hopefully will demonstrate, that priming does not exist per se but is the direct and intrinsic consequence of the loss of dopamine innervation of the striatum (and other target structures), meaning that the first injections of dopaminergic drugs only exacerbate those mechanisms (sensitization) but do not induce them. Chronicity and pulsatility of subsequent dopaminergic treatment only exacerbates the likelihood of developing dyskinesia.

Lowered cAMP and cGMP signalling in the brain during levodopa-induced dyskinesias in hemiparkinsonian rats: new aspects in the pathogenetic mechanisms

Dysregulation of dopamine receptors is thought to underlie levodopa-induced dyskinesias in experimental models of Parkinson's disease. It is unknown whether an imbalance of the second messengers, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), is involved in the alterations of levodopa/dopamine signal transduction. We examined cAMP and cGMP signalling in the interconnected cortico-striatal-pallidal loop at the peak of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine lesions in the substantia nigra. In addition, we examined the role of phosphodiesterase (PDE) and the rate of cAMP and cGMP degradation on the severity of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in animals pretreated with PDE inhibitor, zaprinast. Unilateral lesion of substantia nigra led to an increase in cAMP but a decrease in cGMP levels in the ipsilateral basal ganglia. After chronic levodopa treatment, cAMP and cGMP were differentially regulated in eukinetic animals: the cAMP level increased in the cortex and striatum but decreased in the globus pallidus of both hemispheres, whereas the cGMP decreased below baseline levels in the contralateral cortico-striatal-pallidal regions. In dyskinetic animals chronic levodopa treatment led to an absolute decrease in cAMP and cGMP levels in cortico-striatal-pallidal regions of both hemispheres. Pretreatment with zaprinast reduced the severity of levodopa-induced dyskinesias, and partly prevented the decrease in cyclic nucleotides compared with pretreatment with saline-levodopa. In conclusion, using a rat model of hemiparkinsonism, we observed a significant reduction in the levels of cyclic nucleotides in both hemispheres at the peak of levodopa-induced dyskinesias. We propose that such a decrease in cyclic nucleotides may partly result from increased catabolism through PDE overactivity.

Parkinson's disease: levodopa-induced dyskinesia and signal transduction

l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) remains the most effective pharmacological treatment for relief of the severe motor impairments of Parkinson's disease. It is very effective in controlling parkinsonian symptoms in the initial phase of the disease, but its action wanes with time. Such 'wearing-off' imposes an escalation in the dosage of the drug, which ultimately fails to provide stable control of motor symptoms and results in the appearance of abnormal involuntary movements or dyskinesia. 'Peak-dose'l-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) currently represents one of the major challenges in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that LID derives from overstimulation of dopamine receptors located on the GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the dorsal striatum. These neurons form two distinct projection pathways, which exert opposite effects on motor activity: the direct, striatonigral pathway promotes locomotion, whereas the indirect, striatopallidal pathway depresses locomotion. In order to understand the mechanisms underlying LID, it is important to identify molecular adaptations produced by chronic administration of L-dopa, at the level of one or the other of these two neuronal populations. This review summarizes the results of recent studies indicating that LID is associated with abnormal dopamine D1 receptor signaling affecting the MSNs of the direct pathway. The role of this pathological adaptation and of the consequent changes in signaling in the development and expression of LID are discussed.

L-DOPA-induced activation of striatal p38MAPK and CREB in neonatal dopaminergic denervated rat: Relevance to self-injurious behavior

The destruction of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons with 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) during the neonatal period results in dopamine (DA) loss and susceptibility for self-injurious behavior (SIB) when challenged with L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), via a supersensitive D1 receptor-mediated mechanism. However, there are no changes in D1 receptor binding or mRNA levels, suggesting a potential postreceptor signaling mechanism(s). Here, we examined whether L-DOPA-induced SIB is associated with altered MAPK signaling (p38MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK) and their nuclear target, CREB. Neonatal dopaminergic lesioned animals were challenged, as adults, with L-DOPA, observed for SIB for 6 hr, and then sacrificed. The data were grouped as follows: control, lesioned rats without SIB (SIB(-)), and lesioned rats that were positive for SIB (SIB(+)). HPLC analysis of striatal extracts revealed a more significant loss of DA and an increase of serotonin in the SIB(+) than in the SIB(-) group. The striatal levels of TH protein were severely decreased, but D1 receptor levels were unaltered in the lesioned groups. These results confirm and extend previous studies indicating that SIB is associated with a near-total loss of DA and TH, an increase in serotonin, and no change in D1 receptor levels. The present studies further revealed that the levels of active phosphorylated forms of p38MAPK and CREB were significantly higher in the SIB(+) group than in the SIB(-) group in the striatum, but not in cortex or olfactory tubercle. The results indicate an induction of striatal p38MAPK and an activation of its nuclear target, CREB, as additional mechanisms in the genesis of L-DOPA-induced SIB.

Dopamine depletion and subsequent treatment with L-DOPA, but not the long-lived dopamine agonist pergolide, enhances activity of the Akt pathway in the rat striatum

Dysregulation of signaling pathways is believed to contribute to Parkinson's disease pathology and l-DOPA-induced motor complications. Long-lived dopamine (DA) agonists are less likely to cause motor complications by virtue of continuous stimulation of DA receptors. In this study, we compared the effects of the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion and subsequent treatment with l-DOPA and DA agonist pergolide on signaling pathways in rats. Pergolide caused less pronounced behavioral sensitization than l-DOPA (25 mg/kg, i.p., 10 days), particularly at lower dose (0.5 and 0.25 mg/kg, i.p.). Pergolide, but not l-DOPA, reversed lesion-induced up-regulation of preproenkephalin and did not up-regulate preprodynorphine or DA D3 receptor in the lesioned hemisphere. Pergolide was as effective as l-DOPA in reversing the lesion-induced elevation of ERK2 phosphorylation in response to acute apomorphine administration (0.05 mg/kg, s.c.). Chronic l-DOPA significantly elevated the level of Akt phosphorylation at both Thr(308) and Ser(473) and concentration of phosphorylated GSK3alpha, whereas pergolide suppressed the lesion- and/or challenge-induced supersensitive Akt responses. The data indicate that l-DOPA, unlike pergolide, exacerbates imbalances in the Akt pathway caused by the loss of DA. The results support the hypothesis that the Akt pathway is involved in long-term actions of l-DOPA and may be linked to l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

Dynamic interaction between medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens as a function of both motivational state and reinforcer magnitude: a c-Fos immunocytochemistry study

This study examined the effects of simultaneous variations in motivational state (food deprivation) and reinforcer magnitude (food presentation) on c-Fos immunoreactivity in the pre- and infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAcc) core and shell, and dorsal striatum. In the first experiment, c-Fos was reliably increased in pre- and infralimbic mPFC of animals 12 and 36 h compared to 0 h deprived. In the second experiment, a small meal (2.5 g) selectively increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in both mPFC subdivisions of 36 h deprived animals, as well as in both NAcc subdivisions of 12 h deprived animals. Correlational analyses revealed a changing relationship between mPFC subregions and the NAcc compartments to which they project. In subjects 12 h deprived and allowed a small meal, c-Fos counts in prelimbic mPFC and NAcc core were positively correlated, as were those in infralimbic mPFC and NAcc shell (r=0.83 and 0.76, respectively). The opposite was true of animals 36 h deprived, with prelimbic mPFC/NAcc core and infralimbic mPFC/NAcc shell negatively correlated (r=-0.85 and -0.82, respectively). The third experiment examined the effects of unrestricted feeding (presentation of 20 g food) after 0, 12, or 36 h of deprivation. No differences between mean c-Fos counts were found, though prelimbic mPFC/NAcc core and mPFC/NAcc shell were positively correlated in animals 36 h deprived (r=0.76 and 0.89, respectively). These data suggest that the activity within the mPFC and NAcc, as well as the interaction between the two, changes as a complex combinatorial function of motivational state and reinforcer magnitude.

Chronic SKF83959 induced less severe dyskinesia and attenuated L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease

SKF83959, a recently identified selective agonist of putative phosphoinositide-linked (PI-linked) D(1) dopamine (DA) receptor, is found to elicit excellent anti-parkinsonism effects in monkeys and rodents. In the present study, the effects of SKF83959 on L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia (LID) were assessed in a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). The results indicated that chronic L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) induced a progressive dyskinesia-like behavior in PD rats, whereas SKF83959 (0.5 mg/kg) elicited significantly less severe dyskinesia while exerts its anti-parkinsonian action effectively. Application of D(1) receptor, but not D(2), alpha or 5-HT receptor antagonist attenuated SKF83959-induced dyskinesia, indicating that a D(1) receptor-mediated events, assumed via PI-linked D(1) receptor. Interestingly, chronic co-administration of SKF83959 significantly reduced LID at no expanse of reduction in the anti-parkinsonian potency in PD rats. However, this anti-dyskinesia effect was not observed while SKF83959 was acutely administered in rats with established LID. This implies that chronic SKF83959 attenuated the development of dyskinesia. Immediate early gene FosB is previously reported to positively associate with dyskinesia. However, we found that the anti-dyskinesia effect of chronic SKF83959 was independent of FosB since SKF83959 produced stronger FosB expression in the lesioned striatum than that of L-DOPA while exerting its anti-dyskinesia action. The present data demonstrated that SKF83959 reduces LID by attenuating the development of dyskinesia; the underlying signaling pathway for the anti-dyskinesia action of SKF83959 appears not to depend on FosB.

Regulation of CART mRNA in the rat nucleus accumbens via D3 dopamine receptors

A variety of studies indicate that CART in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is involved in the action of psychostimulants. In order to understand in more detail if and how dopamine is involved in the regulation of CART mRNA in the NAcc, the present studies of individual receptors were performed. The D1 agonist, dihydrexidine, and the D1 antagonist, SCH23,390, were administered separately and in combination to adult male rats; however, no changes were found in CART mRNA as measured by in situ hybridization. The D2/3 agonist, quinpirole, was administered either separately or in combination with the D2 selective antagonist, L741,626, or the D3 selective antagonist, GR103,691. Quinpirole produced a decrease in CART mRNA of up to 43%. This effect was blocked by pretreatment with the D3 antagonist GR103, 691, but not by the D2 antagonist, L741,626. CART peptide levels showed a similar decrement after acute quinpirole. CART mRNA levels in the NAcc of D3 mutant mice were found to be higher than that in wild-type animals, but treating the mutants with quinpirole failed to produce a decrease in CART expression like that observed in wild-type rodents. These findings demonstrate that CART is regulated by dopamine in the NAcc, at least partly by D3 dopamine receptors.

Neurochemical and electrophysiological characteristics of rat striatal neurons in primary culture

Neurons maintained in dispersed primary culture offer a number of advantages as a model system and are particularly well-suited for studies of the intrinsic electrical properties of neurons by patch clamp. We have characterized the immunocytochemical and electrophysiological properties of cultured rat striatal neurons as they develop in vitro in order to compare this model system with the known properties found in vivo. We found a high abundance of cells in vitro corresponding to the principal striatal output neuron, the medium spiny neuron. Immunocytochemical studies indicate that these cells have both dopamine-1 and dopamine-2 receptors and that there is overlap in their expression within the population of neurons. Semiquantitative analysis revealed bimodal distributions of dopamine receptor expression among the population of neurons. The principal peptide neurotransmitters substance P and enkephalin were present but at reduced levels compared with adult preparations. Other striatal markers such as calbindin, calretinin, and the cannabinoid-1 receptor were abundant. An immunocytochemical survey of voltage-gated K(+) channel subunits characteristic of adult tissue demonstrated the presence in vitro of Kv1.1, Kv1.4, Kv4.2, Kv4.3, and Kvbeta1.1, which have been associated with the rapidly inactivating currents. Electrophysiological studies employing voltage clamp revealed that outward currents had a large inactivating (A-type) component characteristic of mature basal ganglia. Current clamp studies reveal complex spontaneous firing patterns in a subset of neurons, including bursting behaviors superimposed on a slow depolarization. The inward rectifying channels Kir2.1 and Kir2.3, which are specific to particular compartments in adult striatum, were present in culture.

Phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein levels in guinea pig brainstem auditory nuclei after unilateral cochlear ablation

After left unilateral cochlear ablation (UCA) in young adult guinea pigs, the appearance of plasticities in auditory pathways suggested altered gene expression and modified phenotypic behaviors of auditory neurons. Because phosphorylated cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB-P) is a transcription factor that binds to certain genes to facilitate their expression, CREB-P levels were measured after UCA and correlated with postablation plasticities. After UCA, Western blotting was employed to quantify CREB-P levels and illustrate CREB levels in the anteroventral (AVCN), posteroventral (PVCN), and dorsal (DCN) cochlear nucleus; the lateral (LSO) and medial superior olive (MSO); the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB); and the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc) for up to 145 days. We also quantified the levels of several protein synthesis regulators and synaptic markers in the AVCN at 60 days. Sucrose-based extraction buffer improved CREB-P recovery. CREB-P levels became depressed at 3 and 7 postablation days, except in the PVCN, where they were elevated at 7 days, and in the ICc, where they were elevated at both times. At 60 days, CREB-P levels in all the nuclei were elevated. In the AVCN, levels of the protein synthesis regulators and synaptic markers were also elevated at 60 days. By 145 days, CREB-P levels again declined, except in the AVCN, where elevations persisted and increased on the ablated side, and in the ICc, where CREB-P elevations remained. The changes in CREB-P levels coincided with several plasticities in glutamatergic and glycinergic transmitter release and receptor activities, and alterations in neurotrophic support, that developed after UCA. These findings suggest that UCA altered CREB-P levels, which in turn might have contributed to plasticities that appear after UCA.

Down-regulation of nitrergic transmission in the rat striatum after chronic nigrostriatal deafferentation

Dopamine and NO are physiological stimulators of synthesis of cAMP and cGMP, respectively, and NO synthase-containing interneurons in the striatum are physiologically activated by dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. This study investigated whether lesioning dopamine neurons has multiple consequences in the striatum consistent with the reported sensitization of cAMP synthesis, including alteration of the NO-cGMP pathway and phosphodiesterase-dependent metabolism of cyclic nucleotides. The substantia nigra of adult Sprague-Dawley rats was unilaterally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine. Two months later, we determined expression of NO synthase and evaluated cGMP and cAMP levels of intact and deafferented striatum. Moreover, we evaluated cAMP- and cGMP-phosphodiesterase activities in basal conditions and after Ca2+-calmodulin stimulation and determined the expression of the phosphodiesterase-1B isoform and the levels of phosphodiesterase-1B mRNA. Using immunocytochemistry we characterized the distribution of NO synthase and phosphodiesterase-1B within striatal neurons. In the dopamine-deafferented striatum, NO synthase levels were decreased by 42% while NO synthase-immunopositive intrastriatal fibres but not NO synthase neuronal bodies were reduced in number. In the deafferented striatum basal cGMP levels were reduced, and cAMP levels were increased, but cGMP-phosphodiesterase and cAMP-phosphodiesterase activities were both increased in basal and Ca2+-calmodulin-stimulated conditions. Accordingly, phosphodiesterase-1B expression and phosphodiesterase-1B mRNA were upregulated while a large population of medium-sized striatal neurons showed increased phosphodiesterase-1B immunoreactivity. Dopamine deafferentation led to a complex down-regulation of the NO-cGMP pathway in the striatum and to an up-regulation of phosphodiesterase-1B-dependent cyclic nucleotide metabolism, showing new aspects of neuronal plasticity in experimental hemiparkinsonism.

Morphine-induced c-fos mRNA expression in striatofugal circuits: modulation by dose, environmental context, and drug history

Opiates and psychostimulants produce many shared behavioral and neurobiological adaptations, such as behavioral sensitization and the induction of immediate early genes in the caudate-putamen (CPu). Previous studies indicate that factors such as dose, the environmental context surrounding drug administration and drug history can influence both morphine- and psychostimulant-induced behavioral sensitization. In addition, these factors can modulate the ability of psychostimulants to engage striatofugal circuits in the CPu. The present study, therefore, sought to examine whether these factors have similar influences over the ability of morphine to engage cortico-striatofugal circuits. We report that, when given in the home cage, morphine produced a small, but significant increase in the number of c-fos+ striatonigral cells and c-fos+ cells in cingulate cortex, but had no effect on the number of c-fos+ striatopallidal cells. When given in a novel test environment, however, morphine dramatically increased the number of c-fos+ striatonigral cells in a dose-dependent fashion, and this effect was maintained following repeated treatment. Unexpectedly, morphine treatment in a novel environment produced a dose-dependent reduction in the number of c-fos+ striatopallidal cells and c-fos+ cells in cingulate cortex, relative to exposure to novelty alone-effects that were reversed by repeated morphine treatment. We suggest that alterations in c-fos expression patterns in striatofugal circuits following morphine administration may be involved in drug-experience-dependent plasticity.

Transcriptional activation of phosphodiesterase 7B1 by dopamine D1 receptor stimulation through the cyclic AMP/cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase/cyclic AMP-response element binding protein pathway in primary striatal neurons

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 7B, a cAMP-specific PDE which is dominantly expressed in striatum, is expected to be involved in dopaminergic signaling in striatal neurons. Here we show, for the first time, the involvement of the dopaminergic signaling pathway in transcriptional activation of rat PDE7B in primary striatal culture. RT-PCR analysis revealed that dopamine, D1 agonist, forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP stimulation potentiated PDE7B transcription in striatal neurons, while D2 agonist failed to activate the PDE7B transcription. Pre-treatment with D1 antagonist abolished the dopamine- or D1 agonist-induced transcriptional activation of PDE7B. The activation of PDE7B transcription by these stimulators was completely ablated by pre-treatment of the cells with a cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, H-89. RT-PCR using splice variant-specific primers revealed that transcription of PDE7B1, but not of other splice variants, was activated by D1 agonist. We determined the putative transcription start site of PDE7B1, a brain-specific splice variant of PDE7B, by 5'-RACE and identified a promoter region of PDE7B1. Sequence analysis of the PDE7B1 promoter revealed the presence of a canonical cAMP-response element at 166 bp upstream of the putative transcription start site. The cAMP-responsiveness of the PDE7B1 promoter was demonstrated by functional promoter analysis using the luciferase reporter system. Deletion and mutation of the cAMP-response element site in the PDE7B1 promoter abolished the forskolin-induced activation of the PDE7B1 promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed the binding of cAMP-response element binding protein to the PDE7B1 promoter. These data demonstrate the dopamine D1 receptor-mediated transcriptional activation of PDE7B through the cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase/cAMP-response element binding protein pathway in striatal neurons.

Combined intrastriatal dopamine D1 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptor stimulation reveals a mechanism for hyperlocomotion in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats

Loss of dopaminergic innervation to the striatum increases the sensitivity of dopamine (DA) D1 and serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2 receptor signaling. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that systemic co-administration of D1 and 5-HT2 receptor agonists leads to the synergistic overexpression of striatal preprotachykinin mRNA levels in the DA-depleted, but not intact animals. In the present study, we examined this mechanism as related to locomotor behavior. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subject to bilateral i.c.v. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 200 microg in 10 microl/side) or vehicle (0.9% saline and 0.1% ascorbic acid). After 3 weeks, rats were tested for locomotor responses to bilateral intrastriatal infusions of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), the D1 agonist SKF82958 [(+/-)6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetra-hydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine hydrobromide; 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 microg/side], the 5-HT2 agonist DOI [(+/-)-1-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane; 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 microg/side] or subthreshold doses of DOI and SKF82958 (0.1 microg+0.1 microg in 0.8 microl/side). Rats with DA loss demonstrated supersensitive locomotor responses to SKF82958, but not DOI. Combined administration of subthreshold SKF82958 and DOI doses (0.1 microg+0.1 microg) synergistically increased locomotor behavior only in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. These effects were blocked by either the D1 antagonist SCH23390 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-(1H)-3-benzazepine or the 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin (each 1.0 microg in 0.8 microl/side). The results of this study suggest that the behavioral synergy induced by local co-stimulation of D1 and 5-HT2 receptors within the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum may lead to hyperkinesias that can occur with continued pharmacological treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Ropinirole versus l-DOPA effects on striatal opioid peptide precursors in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease: implications for dyskinesia

The dopamine precursor, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), remains the most common treatment for Parkinson's disease. However, following long-term treatment, disabling side effects, particularly L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias, are encountered. Conversely, D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonists, such as ropinirole, exert an anti-parkinsonian effect while eliciting less dyskinesia when administered de novo in Parkinson's disease patients. Parkinson's disease and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia are both associated with changes in mRNA and peptide levels of the opioid peptide precursors preproenkephalin-A (PPE-A) and preproenkephalin-B (PPE-B). Furthermore, a potential role of abnormal opioid peptide transmission in dyskinesia is suggested due to the ability of opioid receptor antagonists to reduce the L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in animal models of Parkinson's disease. In this study, the behavioural response, striatal topography and levels of expression of the opioid peptide precursors PPE-A and PPE-B were assessed, following repeated vehicle, ropinirole, or L-DOPA administration in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease. While repeated administration of L-DOPA significantly elevated PPE-B mRNA levels (313% cf. vehicle, 6-OHDA-lesioned rostral striatum; 189% cf. vehicle, 6-OHDA-lesioned caudal striatum) in the unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease, ropinirole did not. These data and previous studies suggest the involvement of enhanced opioid transmission in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia and that part of the reason why D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonists have a reduced propensity to elicit dyskinesia may reside in their reduced ability to elevate opioid transmission.

Intrastriatal serotonin 5-HT2 receptors mediate dopamine D1-induced hyperlocomotion in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats

Striatal dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) functions are altered following DA denervation. Previous research indicates that intrastriatal coadministration of D1 and 5-HT2 receptor agonists synergistically increase locomotor behavior in DA-depleted rats. In the present study, we examined whether striatal 5-HT2 mechanisms also account for supersensitive D1-mediated locomotor behavior following DA denervation. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral striatal cannulation and then received either intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 200 microg or 20 microg/side, respectively). After at least 3 weeks, i.c.v.-lesioned rats received intrastriatal infusions of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ritanserin (2.0 microg/side) or its vehicle (DMSO) followed by systemic SKF 82958, a D1 agonist (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and locomotor activity was monitored. In another experiment, intrastriatal sham and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats received bilateral intrastriatal infusions of ritanserin (2.0 microg/side) or its vehicle (DMSO) followed by intrastriatal infusions of SKF 82958 (5.0 microg/side) or vehicle (0.9% saline). Rats with DA loss demonstrated supersensitive locomotor responses to both systemic and intrastriatal SKF 82958. Ritanserin pretreatment blunted systemic SKF 82958-induced hyperlocomotion and returned intrastriatal D1-mediated hyperactivity to sham lesion levels. The results of this study suggest that striatal 5-HT2 receptors contribute to D1-mediated hyperkinesias resulting from DA loss and suggest a pharmacological target for the alleviation of dyskinesia that can develop with continued DA replacement therapy.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor controls dopamine D3 receptor expression: therapeutic implications in Parkinson's disease

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to a family of proteins related to nerve growth factor, which are responsible for neuron proliferation, survival and differentiation. A more diverse role for BDNF as a neuronal extracellular transmitter has, nevertheless, been proposed. Here we show that BDNF synthesized by dopamine neurons is responsible for the appearance of the dopamine D3 receptor during development and maintains its expression in adults. Moreover, BDNF triggers behavioral sensitization to levodopa in hemiparkinsonian rats. In monkeys rendered parkinsonian with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, which develop levodopa-induced dyskinesia, we show an overexpression of this receptor. Administration of a dopamine D3 receptor-selective partial agonist strongly attenuated levodopa-induced dyskinesia, while leaving unaffected the therapeutic effect of levodopa. These results suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor participates in both dyskinesia and the therapeutic action of levodopa and that partial agonists may normalize dopamine D3 receptor function and correct side-effects of levodopa therapy in PD patients.

Sensitization of neuronal A2A adenosine receptors after persistent D2 dopamine receptor activation

Acute activation of Galpha(i/o)-coupled D2 dopamine receptors inhibits A2A adenosine receptor stimulation of adenylate cyclase. This antagonistic interaction between D2 dopamine and A2A adenosine receptors has been well documented; however, the effects of persistent activation of D2 dopamine receptors on subsequent A2A adenosine receptor signaling have not been explored. The present study investigated the effects of short-term (3-h) and long-term (18-h) activation of D2L dopamine receptors on subsequent A2A adenosine receptor stimulation of adenylate cyclase in CAD-D2L and NS20Y-D2L neuroblastoma cells. Short- and long-term activation of D2L dopamine receptors markedly increased 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (MECA)-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation 1.4-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively. D2L receptor-induced sensitization of A2A-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation was blocked by the D2 antagonist spiperone and pertussis toxin pretreatment. In addition, persistent activation of A2A adenosine receptors resulted in 50% desensitization of subsequent MECA-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation; however, MECA-induced desensitization of A2A adenosine receptors did not prevent completely quinpirole-induced sensitization of adenylate cyclase. These studies revealed a novel mode of regulation between D2L dopamine and A2A adenosine receptors and suggest a cooperative interaction in the regulation of cyclic AMP signaling.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor controls dopamine D3 receptor expression: implications for neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to a family of proteins related to nerve growth factor, which are responsible for neuron proliferation, survival and differentiation. A more diverse role for BDNF as a neuronal extracellular transmitter has, nevertheless, been proposed. The dopamine D(3) receptor has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, drug addiction, depression and Parkinson's disease. Its expression during development and in adulthood is highly dependent on dopaminergic innervation. Here we show that BDNF synthesized by dopamine neurons is responsible for the appearance of the D(3) receptor during development and maintains D(3) receptor expression in adults. Moreover, BDNF triggers D(3) receptor overexpression and behavioral sensitization to levodopa in denervated animals. These results suggest that BDNF, by controlling the expression of specific genes such as the D(3) receptor gene, may be an important factor in neurodevelopmental psychiatric diseases.

Increased dopamine receptor signaling and dopamine receptor-G protein coupling in denervated striatum

Chronic interruption of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway leads to sensitized dopaminergic responses in striatum. We attempted to explore the mechanism(s) underlying this dopaminergic supersensitivity by assessing dopamine receptor signaling and receptor-G protein coupling in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats. Dopamine-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity as well as dopamine-activated guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thiotriphosphate) ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) binding and [(3)H]palmitate incorporation by Galpha proteins were enhanced in tissues obtained from denervated striata without apparent changes in Galpha protein levels. Moreover, high-affinity binding sites of the D(1) dopamine receptor increased in lesioned compared with control striata without altering the expression level of the receptor. These denervation-mediated changes appear to correlate with the increase in D(1) dopamine receptor binding sites that co-immunoprecipitated with Galphas(olf)/q(11) proteins. In contrast, the total number of D(2) receptor binding sites was increased, yielding an increase in absolute number of high-affinity sites without significant changes in the proportion of high-affinity sites. Stimulation of the D(2) dopamine receptor enhanced coupling to Galphai protein; this was increased in the striata lesioned. The results provide an important molecular mechanism by which dopamine receptor-regulated signaling is enhanced following denervation of dopaminergic input to striatum. Although D(1) dopamine receptor supersensitivity appears to be mediated by enhanced coupling of the receptor to its G proteins, sensitization in the D(2) dopamine receptor system is mediated by increased D(2) receptor density and enhanced D(2) receptor-Gi protein coupling.

D1 dopamine receptor supersensitivity in the dopamine-depleted striatum results from a switch in the regulation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase

Dopamine effects in the striatum are mediated principally through the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes, which are segregated to the direct and indirect striatal projection neurons. After degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine system, direct pathway neurons display a supersensitive response to D1 dopamine receptor agonists, which is demonstrated by the induction of immediate early genes (IEGs), such as c-fos. Here we show, using analysis of receptor-mediated signal transduction, including protein phosphorylation and induction of IEGs, that D1 dopamine receptor supersensitivity is attributable to a switch to ERK1/2/MAP kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase) in direct pathway neurons. Normally, in the dopamine-intact striatum, activation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase is shown to be restricted to indirect and not direct pathway neurons in response to stimulation of corticostriatal afferents. Moreover, in the dopamine-intact striatum, treatment with full D1 dopamine receptor agonists or stimulation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic afferents, both of which result in the induction of IEGs in direct striatal projection neurons, does not activate ERK1/2/MAP kinase. However, after degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, ERK1/2/MAP kinase is activated in direct pathway neurons in response to D1 dopamine receptor agonists either alone or when combined with stimulation of corticostriatal afferents. Inhibitors of MEK (MAP kinase kinase), which is responsible for phosphorylation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase, blocks D1 dopamine receptor agonist activation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase in the dopamine-depleted striatum, as well as the supersensitive induction of IEGs. These results demonstrate that dopamine input to the striatum maintains distinct forms of protein kinase-mediated gene regulation in the direct and indirect striatal projection neurons.

D1 dopamine receptor supersensitivity in the dopamine-depleted striatum results from a switch in the regulation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase

Dopamine effects in the striatum are mediated principally through the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes, which are segregated to the direct and indirect striatal projection neurons. After degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine system, direct pathway neurons display a supersensitive response to D1 dopamine receptor agonists, which is demonstrated by the induction of immediate early genes (IEGs), such as c-fos. Here we show, using analysis of receptor-mediated signal transduction, including protein phosphorylation and induction of IEGs, that D1 dopamine receptor supersensitivity is attributable to a switch to ERK1/2/MAP kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase) in direct pathway neurons. Normally, in the dopamine-intact striatum, activation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase is shown to be restricted to indirect and not direct pathway neurons in response to stimulation of corticostriatal afferents. Moreover, in the dopamine-intact striatum, treatment with full D1 dopamine receptor agonists or stimulation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic afferents, both of which result in the induction of IEGs in direct striatal projection neurons, does not activate ERK1/2/MAP kinase. However, after degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, ERK1/2/MAP kinase is activated in direct pathway neurons in response to D1 dopamine receptor agonists either alone or when combined with stimulation of corticostriatal afferents. Inhibitors of MEK (MAP kinase kinase), which is responsible for phosphorylation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase, blocks D1 dopamine receptor agonist activation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase in the dopamine-depleted striatum, as well as the supersensitive induction of IEGs. These results demonstrate that dopamine input to the striatum maintains distinct forms of protein kinase-mediated gene regulation in the direct and indirect striatal projection neurons.

Time courses of pCREB expression after dopaminergic stimulation by apomorphine in mouse brain

Administration of dopamine agonist, apomorphine (2 mg/kg, s.c.), produces cage climbing behavior in mice that exhibit typical dopaminergic stimulation. The present study investigated the pCREB expression level in several brain regions following apomorphine treatment in order to determine whether the increased the dopaminergic activation produced by apomorphine accompanies the changes in pCREB immunoreactivity. A mouse brain was removed at 0 min, 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 7 h, and 24 h after apomorphine treatment. The brain tissue was fixed by an intracardiac perfusion with ice-cold 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS. Immunohistochemical study was conducted using the ABC-DAB method. The data showed that the immunoreactivity of pCREB increased in the striatum, nucleus-accumbens, piriform cortex and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of a mouse brain 30 min after the apomorphine treatment. Increased immunoreactivity began to diminish 2 h after the apomorphine treatment in all the brain regions measured. The time course for the pCREB immunoreactivity was similar to the behavioral response induced by the apomorphine treatment. These results suggest that activation of the dopamine receptor is accompanied by an increase in pCREB expression in the mouse brain.

cAMP response element-binding protein is required for dopamine-dependent gene expression in the intact but not the dopamine-denervated striatum

The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is believed to play a pivotal role in dopamine (DA) receptor-mediated nuclear signaling and neuroplasticity. Here we demonstrate that the significance of CREB for gene expression depends on the experimental paradigm. We compared the role of CREB in two different but related models: l-DOPA administration to unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats, and cocaine administration to neurologically intact animals. Antisense technology was used to produce a local knockdown of CREB in the lateral caudate-putamen, a region that mediates the dyskinetic or stereotypic manifestations associated with l-DOPA or cocaine treatment, respectively. In intact rats, CREB antisense reduced both basal and cocaine-induced expression of c-Fos, FosB/DeltaFosB, and prodynorphin mRNA. In the DA-denervated striatum, CREB was not required for l-DOPA to induce these gene products, nor did CREB contribute considerably to DNA binding activity at cAMP responsive elements (CREs) and CRE-like enhancers. DeltaFosB-related proteins and JunD were the main contributors to both CRE and AP-1 DNA-protein complexes in l-DOPA-treated animals. In behavioral studies, intrastriatal CREB knockdown caused enhanced activity scores in intact control animals and exacerbated the dyskinetic effects of acute l-DOPA treatment in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. These data demonstrate that CREB is not required for the development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in hemiparkinsonian rats. Moreover, our results reveal an unexpected alteration of nuclear signaling mechanisms in the parkinsonian striatum treated with l-DOPA, where AP-1 transcription factors appear to supersede CREB in the activation of CRE-containing genes.

cAMP response element-binding protein is required for dopamine-dependent gene expression in the intact but not the dopamine-denervated striatum

The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is believed to play a pivotal role in dopamine (DA) receptor-mediated nuclear signaling and neuroplasticity. Here we demonstrate that the significance of CREB for gene expression depends on the experimental paradigm. We compared the role of CREB in two different but related models: l-DOPA administration to unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats, and cocaine administration to neurologically intact animals. Antisense technology was used to produce a local knockdown of CREB in the lateral caudate-putamen, a region that mediates the dyskinetic or stereotypic manifestations associated with l-DOPA or cocaine treatment, respectively. In intact rats, CREB antisense reduced both basal and cocaine-induced expression of c-Fos, FosB/DeltaFosB, and prodynorphin mRNA. In the DA-denervated striatum, CREB was not required for l-DOPA to induce these gene products, nor did CREB contribute considerably to DNA binding activity at cAMP responsive elements (CREs) and CRE-like enhancers. DeltaFosB-related proteins and JunD were the main contributors to both CRE and AP-1 DNA-protein complexes in l-DOPA-treated animals. In behavioral studies, intrastriatal CREB knockdown caused enhanced activity scores in intact control animals and exacerbated the dyskinetic effects of acute l-DOPA treatment in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. These data demonstrate that CREB is not required for the development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in hemiparkinsonian rats. Moreover, our results reveal an unexpected alteration of nuclear signaling mechanisms in the parkinsonian striatum treated with l-DOPA, where AP-1 transcription factors appear to supersede CREB in the activation of CRE-containing genes.

BDNF controls dopamine D3 receptor expression and triggers behavioural sensitization

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), like other neurotrophins, is a polypeptidic factor initially regarded to be responsible for neuron proliferation, differentiation and survival, through its uptake at nerve terminals and retrograde transport to the cell body. A more diverse role for BDNF has emerged progressively from observations showing that it is also transported anterogradely, is released on neuron depolarization, and triggers rapid intracellular signals and action potentials in central neurons. Here we report that BDNF elicits long-term neuronal adaptations by controlling the responsiveness of its target neurons to the important neurotransmitter, dopamine. Using lesions and gene-targeted mice lacking BDNF, we show that BDNF from dopamine neurons is responsible for inducing normal expression of the dopamine D3 receptor in nucleus accumbens both during development and in adulthood. BDNF from corticostriatal neurons also induces behavioural sensitization, by triggering overexpression of the D3 receptor in striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats. Our results suggest that BDNF may be an important determinant of pathophysiological conditions such as drug addiction, schizophrenia or Parkinson's disease, in which D3 receptor expression is abnormal.

L-DOPA produces strong induction of c-fos messenger RNA in dopamine-denervated cortical and striatal areas of the common marmoset

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with near-complete unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine denervation of the dopaminergic input received a single injection of saline or L-DOPA (15mg/kg plus 6.25mg/kg benserazide). Using in situ hybridization, the effects of these treatments on c-fos messenger RNA expression in the cerebral cortex, the striatal complex and the external layer of the pallidum were studied. Moreover, receptor autoradiography was used to determine the levels of dopamine D(1) and D(2) receptors in these areas. In the cerebral cortex, animals treated with L-DOPA displayed a high expression of c-fos messenger RNA restricted to the dopamine-denervated hemisphere. No changes in the levels of cortical D(1) and D(2) receptors were found in the dopamine-denervated hemisphere. L-DOPA treatment also induced a strong expression of c-fos messenger RNA in the striatal complex in the dopamine-denervated hemisphere. The levels of striatal D(2), but not D(1), receptors were increased in the dopamine-denervated hemisphere. In the external pallidum, the major terminal region for D(2) dopamine receptor-containing striatal projection neurons, L-DOPA treatment induced c-fos messenger RNA expression in both the intact and the dopamine-denervated hemispheres.Thus, using c-fos messenger RNA as a biochemical marker of postsynaptic neuronal activation, these results provide evidence that near-complete dopamine depletion causes a profound supersensitization to L-DOPA treatment in the cerebral cortex and in the striatal complex, but not in the external layer of the pallidum, of the primate brain. The cortical response may be unique to the primate brain, but c-fos messenger RNA activation within the striatum has also been reported in the rodent. The effects of L-DOPA probably depend both on a direct activation of supersensitized dopamine receptors by dopamine produced in the few remaining, but hyperactive, dopaminergic nerve terminals and in serotonergic nerve terminals, as well as on indirect actions of L-DOPA related to activation of circuitries connecting cerebral cortex and basal ganglia structures. These results provide novel information on the mechanisms underlying L-DOPA's action in the cerebral cortex, striatum and external pallidum in a primate model of Parkinson's disease.

ST14A cells have properties of a medium-size spiny neuron

The ST14A cell line was previously derived from embryonic day 14 rat striatal primordia by retroviral transduction of the temperature-sensitive SV40 large T antigen. We showed that cell division and expression of nestin persists at 33 degrees C, the permissive temperature, whereas cell division ceases, nestin expression decreases, and MAP2 expression increases at the nonpermissive temperature of 39 degrees C. In this study, we further characterized the cells and found that they express other general and subtype-specific neuronal characteristics. ST14A cells express enolase and beta III-tubulin. Furthermore, they express the striatal marker DARPP-32, which is up-regulated upon differentiation of the cells by growth in serum-free medium. Stimulation with dopamine, the D2-dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole, or the D1-dopamine receptor agonist SKF82958 results in phosphorylation of CREB. Treatment of the cells with a mixture of reagents which stimulate the MAPK and adenylyl cyclase pathways radically changes the morphology of the ST14A cells. The cells develop numerous neurite-like appearing processes which stain with beta III-tubulin. Moreover, under these conditions, intracellular injection of rectangular depolarizing current stimuli elicits overshooting action potentials with a relatively fast depolarization rate when starting from a strongly hyperpolarized membrane potential. Taken together, these data imply that the ST14A cell line displays some of the characteristics of a medium-size spiny neuron subtype and provides a new tool to elucidate the pathways and molecules involved in medium-size spiny neuron differentiation and disease.

Enhancement of the acoustic startle response by dopamine agonists after 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta: corresponding changes in c-Fos expression in the caudate-putamen

Rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway show enhanced locomotor and stereotyped behaviors when challenged with direct and indirect dopamine (DA) agonists due to the development of postsynaptic supersensitivity. To determine if this phenomenon generalizes to other motor behaviors, we have used this rat model of Parkinson's disease to examine the effects of the direct dopamine D(1) receptor agonist SKF 82958 and the indirect DA agonist L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) on the acoustic startle response. In addition, we used the expression of c-Fos protein as a marker of neuronal activity to assess any corresponding drug-induced changes in the caudate-putamen (CPu) after L-DOPA administration. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral injections of 6-OHDA into the substantia nigra pars compacta and 1 week later were tested for startle after systemic administration of SKF 82958 (0.05 mg/kg) or L-DOPA (1, 5, 10 mg/kg). SKF 82958 produced a marked enhancement of startle with a rapid onset in 6-OHDA-lesioned but not SHAM animals. L-DOPA produced a dose- and time-dependent enhancement of startle in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats that had no effect in SHAM animals even at the highest dose (10 mg/kg). Furthermore, L-DOPA produced a dramatic induction of c-Fos in the CPu in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. Consistent with other literature, these data suggest that neurons in the CPu become supersensitive to the effects of DA agonists after 6-OHDA-induced denervation of the nigrostriatal pathway and that supersensitive dopamine D(1) receptors may mediate the enhancement of startle seen in the present study.

Protein phosphorylation cascades associated with methamphetamine-induced glial activation

Reactive gliosis is the most prominent response to diverse forms of central nervous system (CNS) injury. The signaling events that mediate this characteristic response to neural injury are under intense investigation. Several studies have demonstrated the activation of phosphoproteins within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Janus kinase (JAK) pathways following neural insult. These signaling pathways may be involved or responsible for the glial response following injury, by virtue of their ability to phosphorylate and dynamically regulate the activity of various transcription factors. This study sought to delineate, in vivo, the relative contribution of MAPK- and JAK-signaling components to reactive gliosis as measured by induction of glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), following chemical-induced neural damage. At time points (6, 24, and 48 h) following methamphetamine (METH, 10 mg/kg x 4, s.c.) administration, female C57BL/6J mice were sacrificed by focused microwave irradiation, a technique that preserves steady-state phosphorylation. Striatal (target) and nontarget (hippocampus) homogenates were assayed for METH-induced changes in markers of dopamine (DA) neuron integrity as well as differences in the levels of activated phosphoproteins. GFAP upregulation occurred as early as 6 h, reaching a threefold induction 48 h following METH exposure. Neurotoxicant-induced reductions in striatal levels of DA and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) paralleled the temporal profile of GFAP induction. Blots of striatal homogenates, probed with phosphorylation-state specific antibodies, demonstrated significant changes in activated forms of extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), c-jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK), MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK1/2), 70-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70 S6), cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). MAPK-related phosphoproteins exhibited an activation profile that peaked at 6 h, remained significantly increased at 24, and fell to baseline levels 48 h following neurotoxicant treatment. The ribosomal S6 kinase was enhanced over 60% for all time points examined. Immunoreactivity profiles for the transcription factors CREB and STAT3 indicated maximal increases in phosphorylation occurring at 24 h, and measuring greater than 2- or 17-fold, respectively. Specific signaling events were found to occur with a time course suggestive of their involvement in the gliotic response. The toxicant-induced activation of these growth-associated signaling cascades suggests that these pathways could be obligatory for the triggering and/or persistence of reactive gliosis and may therefore serve as potential targets for modulation of glial response to neural damage.

Effects of MK-801 on D1 dopamine receptor-mediated immediate early gene expression in the dopamine-depleted striatum

Previous work indicates that intrastriatal administration of MK-801 does not completely block D1 agonist-induced gene expression in dopamine-depleted rats. The present study examined the effects of systemic MK-801 on such gene expression. A low dose of MK-801 did not affect induction of c-fos or zif268. A high dose completely blocked induction of c-fos, but only slightly suppressed zif268. The data suggest that NMDA receptor activity may not always be necessary for D1-induced gene expression.

Dopamine-deficient mice are hypersensitive to dopamine receptor agonists

Dopamine-deficient (DA-/-) mice were created by targeted inactivation of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene in dopaminergic neurons. The locomotor activity response of these mutants to dopamine D1 or D2 receptor agonists and l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) was 3- to 13-fold greater than the response elicited from wild-type mice. The enhanced sensitivity of DA-/- mice to agonists was independent of changes in steady-state levels of dopamine receptors and the presynaptic dopamine transporter as measured by ligand binding. The acute behavioral response of DA-/- mice to a dopamine D1 receptor agonist was correlated with c-fos induction in the striatum, a brain nucleus that receives dense dopaminergic input. Chronic replacement of dopamine to DA-/- mice by repeated l-DOPA administration over 4 d relieved the hypersensitivity of DA-/- mutants in terms of induction of both locomotion and striatal c-fos expression. The results suggest that the chronic presence of dopaminergic neurotransmission is required to dampen the intracellular signaling response of striatal neurons.

Dopamine-deficient mice are hypersensitive to dopamine receptor agonists

Dopamine-deficient (DA-/-) mice were created by targeted inactivation of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene in dopaminergic neurons. The locomotor activity response of these mutants to dopamine D1 or D2 receptor agonists and l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) was 3- to 13-fold greater than the response elicited from wild-type mice. The enhanced sensitivity of DA-/- mice to agonists was independent of changes in steady-state levels of dopamine receptors and the presynaptic dopamine transporter as measured by ligand binding. The acute behavioral response of DA-/- mice to a dopamine D1 receptor agonist was correlated with c-fos induction in the striatum, a brain nucleus that receives dense dopaminergic input. Chronic replacement of dopamine to DA-/- mice by repeated l-DOPA administration over 4 d relieved the hypersensitivity of DA-/- mutants in terms of induction of both locomotion and striatal c-fos expression. The results suggest that the chronic presence of dopaminergic neurotransmission is required to dampen the intracellular signaling response of striatal neurons.

Ectopic G-protein expression in dopamine and serotonin neurons blocks cocaine sensitization in Drosophila melanogaster

Sensitization to repeated doses of psychostimulants is thought to be an important component underlying the addictive process in humans [1] [2] [3] [4]. In all vertebrate animal models, including humans [5], and even in fruit flies, sensitization is observed after repeated exposure to volatilized crack cocaine [6]. In vertebrates, sensitization is thought to be initiated by processes occurring in brain regions that contain dopamine cell bodies [2] [7]. Here, we show that modulated cell signaling in the Drosophila dopamine and serotonin neurons plays an essential role in cocaine sensitization. Targeted expression of either a stimulatory (Galpha(s)) or inhibitory (Galpha(i)) Galpha subunit, or tetanus toxin light chain (TNT) in dopamine and serotonin neurons of living flies blocked behavioral sensitization to repeated cocaine exposures. These flies showed alterations in their initial cocaine responsiveness that correlated with compensatory adaptations of postsynaptic receptor sensitivity. Finally, repeated drug stimulation of a nerve cord preparation that is postsynaptic to the brain amine cells failed to induce sensitization, further showing the importance of presynaptic modulation in sensitization.

Dopamine receptor-modulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats

The role of dopamine receptor-G protein coupling in the development of striatal dopamine receptor supersensitivity was studied in rats with a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced unilateral lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway. This coupling was assessed by the measurement of dopamine agonist-induced guanosine 5'-O-(gamma[35S]thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTP-gammaS) binding in striatal membranes, at different periods of time (1-5 weeks) following the microinjection of the neurotoxin. From the first to the fifth week following the lesion, basal and dopamine-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS-specific binding were found to be enhanced in the denervated striata as compared to their control counterpart. D2 dopamine receptors were clearly demonstrated to be involved in this supersensitivity, as assessed by measuring N-propylnorapomorphine (NPA)-, quinpirole- and bromocriptine-induced [35S]GTPgammaS-specific binding. The involvement of D1 dopamine receptors was indirectly studied by the combination of dopamine with a saturating concentration of the selective and potent D2 antagonist domperidone. In these conditions, the remaining response to dopamine was also found to be significantly increased following the lesion. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that, in addition to D2 dopamine receptor upregulation, modulation of dopamine receptor-G protein interaction is involved in the hypersensitivity accompanying striatal dopamine depletion.

Compartmental changes in expression of c-Fos and FosB proteins in intact and dopamine-depleted striatum after chronic apomorphine treatment

Chronic administration of dopaminergic agonists to rats with unilateral 6-OH-dopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of nigrostriatal pathway produces behavioral sensitization to subsequent agonist challenges and may serve as a model for DOPA-induced dyskinesias. In order to understand striatal mechanisms behind this long-term behavioral change we examined striatal c-Fos and FosB immunoreactivity induced by apomorphine challenge (5 mg/kg, s.c.) after 3 days of withdrawal following a 2-week administration (5 mg/kg, b.i.d., s.c.) both in intact and 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. In intact rats, c-Fos induction by acute apomorphine exposure showed a striosomal pattern, whereas FosB immunopositivity was diffusely distributed. Following chronic administration, FosB induction turned to a clear striosome dominant pattern similar to c-Fos expression. In denervated striatum, expression of both proteins was profoundly augmented in a homogeneous pattern after a single dose of apomorphine. A distinct striosomal patterning appeared after chronic apomorphine administration in ventromedial part of the denervated striatum with a down-regulation in the matrix and relative enhancement in striosomes. These results suggest that compartmental reorganization of striatal neuronal activity may play a role in long-term behavioral changes induced by chronic dopaminergic treatments both under normal and dopamine-depleted conditions.

Dopamine D1 receptor modulation of glutamate receptor messenger RNA levels in the neocortex and neostriatum of unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats

The effect of treatment with the D1 dopamine receptor agonist SKF 38393 on the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1, 3, 4 and 5 receptor subtypes and of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate ionotropic receptor subunits NRI, NR2A and NR2B was analysed using in situ hybridization. We studied the neocortex and neostriatum of normal rats and of rats unilaterally treated with 6-hydroxydopamine, a neurotoxin that, after intracerebral injection into the ventral tegmental area, causes selective degeneration of the ascending dopamine pathway. In the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 3 messenger RNA levels were ipsilaterally increased in the neocortex and neostriatum, while the levels of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 messenger RNA were bilaterally increased in both regions. When administered to the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, the D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 (3 x 20 mg/kg, s.c.) produced a bilateral decrease in the expression of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 and 5 receptor messenger RNA levels in the neocortex and neostriatum. In the neostriatum, SKF 38393 attenuated the ipsilateral increase in the expression of striatal metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 3 messenger RNA produced by the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. Furthermore, SKF 38393 produced a bilateral decrease in the levels of NRI receptor subunit messenger RNA and, in contrast, an increase in the striatal NR2B messenger RNA levels. All of these effects were abolished by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23360. These results indicate a differential D1 receptor-mediated modulation of the expression of some glutamate receptor subtypes in the neostriatum and neocortex, in agreement with the idea of a functional coupling between dopamine and excitatory amino acid systems in both regions. Thus, pharmacological targeting of excitatory amino acid systems could provide alternative or complementary treatment strategies for diseases involving dopaminergic systems in the striatum (e.g., Parkinson's disease) and cortex (e.g., schizophrenia).

Effect of repeated L-DOPA, bromocriptine, or lisuride administration on preproenkephalin-A and preproenkephalin-B mRNA levels in the striatum of the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat

Abnormal involuntary movements, or dyskinesias, plague current symptomatic approaches to the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The neural mechanisms underlying the generation of dyskinesia following repeated l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) or dopamine agonist administration in Parkinson's disease remain unknown. However, de novo administration of bromocriptine or lisuride to either l-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned primates or patients can alleviate parkinsonian symptoms without the development of dyskinesia. In this study, we have investigated behavioral responses and alterations in the expression of opioid neuropeptide precursors preproenkephalin-A (PPE-A, encoding methionine- and leucine-enkephalin) and preproenkephalin-B (PPE-B), the precursor encoding dynorphins (dynorphin A1-17 and B1-13, leucine-enkephalin, and alpha-neoendorphin) in striatal output pathways of the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease. Expression was assessed following repeated L-DOPA, bromocriptine, or lisuride administration. Given the functional organization of basal ganglia circuitry into anatomically discrete parallel circuits, we investigated alterations in peptide expression with reference to the detailed topography of the striatum. Following repeated L-DOPA administration (6.5 mg/kg, b.d., 21 days) in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat a rotational response was observed. This became markedly enhanced with repeated treatment. We have previously characterized the pharmacology of this enhanced response and have suggested that it is a useful model for the elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying L-DOPA- and dopamine agonist-induced dyskinesia. In contrast to l-DOPA, de novo administration of bromocriptine (1 or 5 mg/kg, b.d., 21 days) or lisuride (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg, b.d., 21 days) did not lead to an enhanced behavioral response. In vehicle-treated, 6-OHDA-lesioned animals, PPE-A expression was elevated rostrally and dorsally, while PPE-B expression was reduced in the striatum at all rostrocaudal levels. Repeated l-DOPA administration was accompanied by elevations in striatal PPE-B mRNA levels and a further elevation, above lesion-induced levels, in PPE-A expression. This further elevation was restricted to the dorsolateral striatum. However, following repeated bromocriptine or lisuride administration no increase in PPE-B expression was observed and the lesion-induced increase in PPE-A expression was normalized to prelesion levels. Increased PPE-A and PPE-B levels may, through decreasing GABA and glutamate release, respectively, in output nuclei of the basal ganglia, play a role in the development of L-DOPA- and dopamine-agonist induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease. These studies suggest that anti-parkinsonian treatments which are not associated with an elevation in PPE-B and/or normalize elevated PPE-A precursor expression, such as NMDA-receptor antagonists or long-acting dopamine D2 receptor agonists, e.g., cabergoline or ropinirole, may reduce dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease.

Conditional coupling of striatal dopamine D1 receptor to transcription factors: ontogenic and regional differences in CREB activation

The coupling of striatal dopamine D1 receptors to c-fos transcription exhibit all-or-none regional and ontogenic differences: the D1 agonist SKF 38393 fails to induce c-fos expression in the striatum, except during the early postnatal period in the striosomes, or in the caudal extremity of the striatum in adult animals. In an attempt to better delineate the mechanism responsible for interrupting or enabling this conditional coupling of D1 receptors to c-fos transcription we have examined, through immunocytochemistry and gel shift assay, the activation of the cyclic AMP-response element binding protein (CREB) transcription factor in response to the D1 agonist in the murine striatum. Phosphorylated-CREB (P-CREB) immunoreactivity in response to the dopamine D1 agonist (+/-)SKF 38393 (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was prominent in the caudal extremity of the striatum in adult animals (P90). In neonatal (P5) mice, P-CREB immunoreactive neurons were observed both in the caudal and in the rostral parts of the striatum, without obvious patchy distribution. Gel shift assays performed on nuclear protein extracts from either the rostral or the caudal part of striatal tissue of neonatal (P5) or adult (P90) mice provided quantitative assessment, showing differences both in the amplitude and in the time course of the response, since P-CREB binding in adults culminated 45 min after (+/-)SKF 38393 (15 mg/kg, i.p.) injection, wheareas the peak value appeared as soon as 10 min after injection in P5 mouse pups, suggesting the involvement of partly distinct transduction pathways.

A complex program of striatal gene expression induced by dopaminergic stimulation

Dopamine acting in the striatum is necessary for normal movement and motivation. Drugs that change striatal dopamine neurotransmission can have long-term effects on striatal physiology and behavior; these effects are thought to involve alterations in gene expression. Using the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion model of Parkinson's disease and differential display PCR, we have identified a set of more than 30 genes whose expression rapidly increases in response to stimulation of striatal dopamine D1 receptors. The induced mRNAs include both novel and previously described genes, with diverse time courses of expression. Some genes are expressed at near-maximal levels within 30 min, whereas others show no substantial induction until 2 hr or more after stimulation. Some of the induced genes, such as CREM, CHOP, and MAP kinase phosphatase-1, may be components of a homeostatic response to excessive stimulation. Others may be part of a genetic program involved in cellular and synaptic plasticity. A very similar set of genes is induced in unlesioned animals by administration of the psychostimulant cocaine or the antipsychotic eticlopride, although in distinct striatal cell populations. In contrast to some previously described early genes, most of the novel genes are not induced in cortex by apomorphine, indicating specificity of induction. Thus we have identified novel components of a complex, coordinated genetic program that is induced in striatal cells in response to various dopaminergic manipulations.

A complex program of striatal gene expression induced by dopaminergic stimulation

Dopamine acting in the striatum is necessary for normal movement and motivation. Drugs that change striatal dopamine neurotransmission can have long-term effects on striatal physiology and behavior; these effects are thought to involve alterations in gene expression. Using the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion model of Parkinson's disease and differential display PCR, we have identified a set of more than 30 genes whose expression rapidly increases in response to stimulation of striatal dopamine D1 receptors. The induced mRNAs include both novel and previously described genes, with diverse time courses of expression. Some genes are expressed at near-maximal levels within 30 min, whereas others show no substantial induction until 2 hr or more after stimulation. Some of the induced genes, such as CREM, CHOP, and MAP kinase phosphatase-1, may be components of a homeostatic response to excessive stimulation. Others may be part of a genetic program involved in cellular and synaptic plasticity. A very similar set of genes is induced in unlesioned animals by administration of the psychostimulant cocaine or the antipsychotic eticlopride, although in distinct striatal cell populations. In contrast to some previously described early genes, most of the novel genes are not induced in cortex by apomorphine, indicating specificity of induction. Thus we have identified novel components of a complex, coordinated genetic program that is induced in striatal cells in response to various dopaminergic manipulations.