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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

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Published on: October 27, 2021
Akinesia and postural abnormality after unilateral dopamine depletion
R E Johnson1, T Schallert, J B Becker
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Abstract:
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.
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