Induction of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Source: Caulfield, M. E., et al. Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. J. Vis. Exp. (2021).

This video demonstrates the process of inducing levodopa-induced dyskinesias in a Parkinson's rat model by administering levodopa alongside a dopamine conversion inhibitor. Repeated injections overstimulate the brain neurons, resulting in motor dysfunction.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Preparation of reagents and supplies

1. Determine L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride (levodopa or L-DOPA) and benserazide hydrochloride, a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (see Table of Materials) dose, rating frequency, and experimental timeline that is appropriate for the investigational question (Figure 1).
   NOTE: Investigational questions can be posed to seek any number of answers, rang....

Results

Figure 1: Example of treatment timeline. Example L-DOPA dose-escalation timeline of 12 weeks in total length, with 8 weeks of L-DOPA injections beginning 3 weeks after 6-OHDA lesioning and 4 weeks following experimental treatment. In this example, L-DOPA .......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
100 Minutes Digital Timer	Staples	1111764
Compass CX Compact Scale	Ohaus	30428202
5-(2-aminoethyl)-1,2,4-benzenetriol, monohydrobromide	Cayman Chemicals	25330	6-OHDA is a catecholaminergic neurotoxin that is used to induce dopaminergic lesions and parkinsonian symptoms in rodents.
Allentown cages	Allentown, LLC	Rat900	Allentown cages provide the ability to view the rats from all sides.
BD Allergist Trays with Permanently Attached Needle	BD	BD 305540	For subcutaneous L-DOPA injections
Benserazide hydrochloride	Sigma-Aldrich	B7283	Benserazide is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor used with L-DOPA to to induce dyskinesia in rodent models of PD.
Glass amber scintillation vials	Thermo Scientific	B7921	Used for storage of L-DOPA/benserazide at -20 °C until mixed with sterile saline.
L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride	Sigma-Aldrich	D1507	L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester is a precursor to L-DOPA that crosses the blood-brain barrierand use to treat parkinsonian symptoms in rodents.
Paper Mate Sharpwriter Mechanical Pencils	Staples	107250
Rodent nutritionally complete enrichment treats	Bio-Serv	F05478
Round Ice Bucket with Lid, 2.5 L	Corning	432129
Standard Plastic Clipboard	Staples	1227770
Steel wired 6' long movable shelving units	Uline	H9488	Width/Height can be adjusted to need/number of rats per experiment
Sterile Saline 0.9%	Covidien/Argyle	1020	For mixing with L-DOPA/bens