Abstract
Movement disorders involving the basal ganglia, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Tourette's syndrome, arise from altered neurotransmission. Previous studies have demonstrated variable gene expression of neuropeptides in striatal neurons following the increase or decrease of dopamine and/or serotonin transmission. We are currently employing the technique of immunocytochemistry to determine whether increased or decreased mRNA levels, induced by altered serotonin transmission, translate into a corresponding change in neuropeptide levels. Characterizing the fate of striatal neuropeptide gene products (mRNA and peptides) may provide valuable information in developing therapies to treat certain types of movement disorders.
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