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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 14, 2021
S-nitrosylation of Src by NR2B-nNOS signal causes Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in
11 Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Abnormality in Src PSD-95 NR2B signaling complex assemble occurs in levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by Src family protein tyrosine kinases is closely associated with dyskinesia. Src autophosphorylation (p-Src) is an important part of Src-catalyzed phosphorylation of NR2B. In addition, the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-derived NO (nNOS/NO) signal which was also involved in dyskinesia recently was proved to participate in the regulation of Src function. Yet, the detailed signal mechanism about the interactions of NR2B, nNOS, and Src is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the influences of nNOS on Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in dyskinetic rat model by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. The results demonstrated that chronic levodopa treatment resulted in downregulation of p-nNOS-S847, one marker of nNOS overactivation. Coinstantaneously, the S-nitrosylation (SNO-Src) and autophosphorylation (p-Src) of Src and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation were upregulated in dyskinetic rat model. Conversely, administration of 7-NI, one nNOS inhibitor, reversed all these effects of levodopa treatment. Besides, NR2B-containing NMDAR (NR2B/NMDAR) antagonist CP-101,606 could upregulate p-nNOS-S847 and thus attenuate nNOS activation and simultaneously reduce the SNO-Src, p-Src, and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, the S-nitrosylation of Src is caused by nNOS/NO signal, which is overactivated via Ca2+ influx dependent on NR2B/NMDAR, and subsequently facilitates Src auto-tyrosine phosphorylation and further phosphorylates NR2B. The "NR2B/NMDAR-nNOS/NO-SNO-Src-p-Src-NR2B/NMDAR" signaling cycle may be the molecular basis of NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation upward positive feedback, which demonstrates the possibility as one latent target for dyskinesia therapy.
Insights
Levodopa-induced dyskinesia involves abnormal Src-NR2B signaling. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) overactivation leads to Src S-nitrosylation and phosphorylation, driving NR2B phosphorylation and potentially offering a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) is associated with abnormalities in the Src-PSD-95-NR2B signaling complex.
- Tyrosine phosphorylation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit NR2B, mediated by Src kinases, is linked to dyskinesia.
- Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)/NO signaling and its interaction with Src and NR2B in LID remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nNOS in Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in a rat model of dyskinesia.
- To elucidate the signaling mechanism involving NR2B, nNOS, and Src in the context of levodopa treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation techniques in a dyskinetic rat model.
- Administered levodopa, the nNOS inhibitor 7-NI, and the NR2B-containing NMDAR antagonist CP-101,606.
- Assessed levels of p-nNOS-S847, S-nitrosylation of Src (SNO-Src), autophosphorylation of Src (p-Src), and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- Levodopa treatment decreased p-nNOS-S847 but increased SNO-Src, p-Src, and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation.
- 7-NI administration reversed the effects of levodopa, reducing SNO-Src, p-Src, and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation.
- CP-101,606 upregulated p-nNOS-S847, attenuated nNOS activation, and decreased SNO-Src, p-Src, and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- nNOS/NO signaling overactivates Src via S-nitrosylation, leading to Src autophosphorylation and subsequent NR2B phosphorylation.
- This forms a positive feedback loop: 'NR2B/NMDAR-nNOS/NO-SNO-Src-p-Src-NR2B/NMDAR', contributing to elevated NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation.
- This signaling cycle represents a potential therapeutic target for managing dyskinesia.
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