Akinesia and postural abnormality after unilateral dopamine depletion.
Following unilateral nigrostriatal dopamine depletion rats engage in drug-induced and spontaneous turning. These asymmetric behaviors are associated with a hemispheric asymmetry in the dopamine function. Several tests of 'spontaneous' behavior have revealed other abnormalities, primarily in posture and akinesia. A test is described here which quantifies postural abnormalities, as well as difficulties in initiating and terminating movement. This test may be suitable for evaluating aspects of dopamine-mediated behaviors not addressed by drug tests and may prove valuable in evaluating the potential of new treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.
Johnson
R E
RE
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Schallert
T
T
Becker
J B
JB
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004298:Dopamine / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000503:physiopathology; D009068:Movement; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D016627:Oxidopamine; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans
D016627:Oxidopamine; D004298:Dopamine