LEVODOPA INDUCES AP-1 AND CREB DNA-BINDING ACTIVITIES IN THE RAT STRIATUM

In order to elucidate the effect of levodopa and bromocriptine on the DNA-binding activities of transcription factors, AP-1 and CREB DNA-bin ding activities were investigated using gel-shift assay. Intraperitone al administration of 100 mg/kg levodopa with 50 mg/kg benserazide in r ats increased both AP-1 and CREB DNA-binding activities in the dorsola teral aspect of the striatum. The major proteins composing the increas ed AP-1 were JunB and JunD. Bromocriptine at doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/k g, however, did not increase these binding activities. Present results suggest that levodopa but not bromocriptine induces these transcripti on-regulating proteins in the striatum with normal dopaminergic functi oning.