Akinesia and postural abnormality after unilateral dopamine depletion.

Following unilateral nigrostriatal dopamine depletion rats engage in drug-induced and spontaneous turning. These asymmetric behaviors are associated with a hemispheric asymmetry in the dopamine function. Several tests of 'spontaneous' behavior have revealed other abnormalities, primarily in posture and akinesia. A test is described here which quantifies postural abnormalities, as well as difficulties in initiating and terminating movement. This test may be suitable for evaluating aspects of dopamine-mediated behaviors not addressed by drug tests and may prove valuable in evaluating the potential of new treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.