LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF AMYGDALOID KINDLING ON STRIATAL DOPAMINERGIC TERMINALS

The present study assessed the effects of kindling on striatal DA terminals. Kindled and control rats were tested for DA transporter density using [H-3]GBR-12935 binding to striatal membranes and for amphetamine and KCI-induced [H-3]DA release from striatal slices. Kindling decreased the maximal number of [H-3]GBR-12935 binding sites in the dorsal striatum of rats sacrificed either 2 h or 4 weeks after the last seizure but had no effect on stimulated fractional [H-3]DA release. These findings suggest a minor damage to DA terminals in the dorsal striatum. At the same postseizure time points, kindling augmented the hyperlocomotion associated with novel environment. Explanation of this effect requires in vivo measures of striatal DA functioning.