OBJECTIVETo study the changes of prodynorphin (PDyn) gene expression and dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32) phosphorylation in rats with levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), and to explore the mechanism of over-activation in direct pathway mediated by dopamine D₁ receptor.

METHODSParkinson's disease (PD) rats were received levodopa (10 mg/kg, i.p.) for 28 d to get the LID rats. According to the behavior scale, LID rats were divided into mild (n = 8) and severe (n = 16) groups. On day 29, 8 rats in severe LID group were given an acute intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg) 15 min before levodopa treatment (MK-801 group, n = 8). The normal rats received same course and dosage of levodopa as the control group (n = 8). Hybridization in situ was used to measure the expression of PDyn mRNA in striatum. Protein and mRNA levels of total DARPP-32 and phospho-Thr-34 DARPP-32 level were measured by immunoblotting and RT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTSThe levels of PDyn mRNA and phospho-Thr-34 DARPP-32 increased significantly in LID rats compared with control rats (P < 0.01), and they also increased markedly in severe LID group compared with mild group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPhospho-Thr-34 DARPP-32 level was increased in LID rats, which contributed to the over-activation of direct pathway mediated by dopamine D₁ receptor.