Role of receptor heterodimers in the development of L-dopa-induced dyskinesias in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Chronic L-dopa administration is associated with development of dyskinesias. The molecular mechanisms of these side-effects, however, remain elusive. Dopamine (DA) receptors interact with other receptors to form highly organized complexes where their activity is finely tuned by several proteins. The DA D1R forms a heteromeric complex with the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and this interaction influences the trafficking of both receptors. Using the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease, we report a correlation between the development of L-dopa-induced dyskinesias and changes in synaptic D1R/NMDAR complexes.