GRAFT-INDUCED REDUCTION IN [H-3] DOPAMINE UPTAKE INTO THE NON-LESIONED STRIATUM

THE effect of intraventricular fetal mesencephalic grafts placed in the B-hydroxydopamine (and-OHDA) lesioned striatum on [H-3]dopamine (DA) uptake into synaptosomes was studied. Apomorphine (APO)- and amphetamine (AMPH)-induced rotational behaviour was continuously reduced by the grafts over 7 months. After this time, a non-significant increase in [H-3]DA uptake into synaptosomes of the lesioned striatum and an similar to 40% decrease in [H-3]DA uptake into synaptosomes of the non-lesioned striatum were found. Grafts placed in the non-lesioned striatum did not significantly change both rotational behaviour or [H-3]DA uptake. The results show that unilateral fetal mesencephalic grafts producing behavioural improvement in the unilateral 6-OHDA lesioned rat induce changes in dopaminergic structures in the non-lesioned striatum.