Topic: L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia

Advances in MRI imaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) make it possible to noninvasively measure the structure of cerebral white matter fibers and neural activity in the brain. Clinical application of these techniques is expected for early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and evaluation of pathophysiology and treatment efficacy. In this study, we used MRI to examine changes in functional connectivity in [JAG1] mice in which 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was unilaterally injected into the medial forebrain bundle of the mouse and which d

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the selective loss of the dopaminergic neurons of the Substantia Nigra pars compacta and, consequently, striatal dopamine depletion. In Parkinson’s disease therapy, dopamine loss is counteracted by the administration of the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, which is initially effective in ameliorating motor symptoms, but over time it leads to a burdening side effect of uncontrollable jerky movements, termed L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. To date, no efficient treatment for dyskinesia exists. The dopaminergic and serotonergic systems are intrinsically linked, and a role ha