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Persistent increases in dopamine D2 receptor mRNA expression in basal ganglia following kindling
1Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642.
Abstract:
Amygdala kindling resulted in significant increases in the expression of D2 receptor mRNA in the nucleus accumbens and striatum 30 days following the last kindling stimulation. Densitometric analyses of tissue sections incubated in the presence of an oligonucleotide probe directed against D2 receptor cDNA indicated a 20-35% increase in D2 receptor mRNA in these regions following kindling. Kindling from the amygdala followed by piriform cortical kindling in the transfer paradigm (overkindling) resulted in significant further increases in D2 receptor mRNA expression in both the accumbens (150% increase) and striatum (120% increase). There were no observed hemispheric asymmetries in D2 receptor mRNA in either kindled or overkindled animals. The data indicate an enduring upregulation of extrapyramidal D2 receptor mRNA following the kindling process. How this change may relate to kindling-induced alterations in seizure susceptibility or behaviors mediated by limbic dopaminergic pathways are questions for future studies.
Insights
Amygdala kindling significantly increases D2 receptor mRNA in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders are complex neurological conditions.
- Dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, play a crucial role in brain function.
- The kindling model is used to study the development of epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of amygdala kindling on D2 receptor mRNA expression.
- To examine the impact of combined amygdala and piriform cortex kindling on D2 receptor mRNA levels.
Main Methods:
- Amygdala kindling model in rodents.
- Densitometric analysis of tissue sections using oligonucleotide probes for D2 receptor cDNA.
- Quantification of messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in specific brain regions.
Main Results:
- Amygdala kindling led to a 20-35% increase in D2 receptor mRNA in the nucleus accumbens and striatum.
- Overkindling (amygdala followed by piriform cortex) resulted in a 150% increase in the nucleus accumbens and 120% in the striatum.
- No significant hemispheric asymmetries in D2 receptor mRNA were observed.
Conclusions:
- The kindling process induces a lasting upregulation of extrapyramidal D2 receptor mRNA.
- These enduring changes in D2 receptor expression may be linked to alterations in seizure susceptibility and behavior.