Effect of right middle cerebral artery occlusion on striatal dopaminergic function

Following right middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat, striatal dopaminergic system alterations were studied. Dopamine turnover was assessed by measuring 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations and dopamine receptor function, by measuring (3H)-Spiroperidol binding. There was a transient decrease in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and permanent damage to dopamine receptors, as indicated by a time-dependent progressive reduction in the number of (3H)-Spiroperidol binding sites. The receptor deficit also manifested as turning behaviour towards the lesioned side 4 weeks after the lesion following subcutaneous apomorphine. Long-term changes of dopaminergic receptor activity in this experimental model of cerebral infarction may be secondary to cortical degeneration following middle cerebral artery occlusion.