What is the Role of the NMDA Receptor in the Development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias?
Ashley Saito Project Advisor: Kerry Thompson Parkinsons Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. A common treatment for PD patients is levodopa (L-dopa). Unfortunately, long-term use of L-dopa is problematic, often resulting in the development of dyskinesias, the abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) that manifest in the face and limbs. The NMDA receptor is an ionotropic receptor subtype for glutamate, a major excitatory neurotransmitter. Previous studies have shown that blocking this glutamate receptor may uncover mechanisms involved in the development of abnormal involuntary movements. MK-801 is one particular example of an NMDA receptor antagonist that easily crosses the blood brain barrier. In our study, we evaluated the effect of an NMDA-receptor blockade on the development of L-dopa induced dyskinesias. At this point, it is evident that an NMDA-receptor blockade is able to suppress the development
