References
Query Results -- Details
MGI Accession ID: MGI:1352916
J Number: J:60151
Other Accession IDs:
Title: Mice lacking alpha-synuclein display functional deficits in the nigrostriatal dopamine system.
Authors: Abeliovich A; Schmitz Y; Farinas I; Choi-Lundberg D; Ho WH; Castillo PE; Shinsky N; Verdugo JM; Armanini M; Ryan A; Hynes M; Phillips H; Sulzer D; Rosenthal A
Journal: Neuron
Volume: 25
Issue: 1
Date: 2000 Jan
Year: 2000
Pages: 239-52
Review Status: Peer Reviewed
Abstract:
alpha-Synuclein (alpha-Syn) is a 14 kDa protein of unknown function that has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we show that alpha-Syn-/- mice are viable and fertile, exhibit intact brain architecture, and possess a normal complement of dopaminergic cell bodies, fibers, and synapses. Nigrostriatal terminals of alpha-Syn-/- mice display a standard pattern of dopamine (DA) discharge and reuptake in response to simple electrical stimulation. However, they exhibit an increased release with paired stimuli that can be mimicked by elevated Ca2+. Concurrent with the altered DA release, alpha-Syn-/- mice display a reduction in striatal DA and an attenuation of DA-dependent locomotor response to amphetamine. These findings support the hypothesis that alpha-Syn is an essential presynaptic, activity-dependent negative regulator of DA neurotransmission.
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