Antidyskinetic Effects of Novel Serotonergic Combination Drug Therapy in a Hemiparkinsonian Rat Model of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

Authors: Emma Sarinick, Jacob Jodlowski, Balqiisa J-Elmi

Field of Study: Health and Wellness

Program Affiliation: Summer Scholars and Artists Program (SSAP), Christopher Bishop's Lab

Faculty Mentors: Christopher Bishop

Easel: 61

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons producing symptoms of rigidity, tremors, and bradykinesia. While Levodopa (L-DOPA) is the gold-standard therapy, long term use can lead to adverse effects including abnormal involuntary movements (AIMS) known as L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID). Previous studies show serotonin (5-HT) 1A receptor (5-HT1AR) agonist Vortioxetine (VTX) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) alleviate LID when individually paired with L-DOPA. In this study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 53) received coadministration of VTX and 5-HTP to explore a synergistic effect on LID while retaining motor efficacy. For both experiments, AIMs and FAS were implemented to assess alterations in LID and motor efficacy, respectively. Preliminary results revealed coadministration of VTX and 5-HTP with L-DOPA attenuated dyskinesia while maintaining the motor benefits of L-DOPA, thus supporting it as a translational therapy for PD patients to improve long term treatment.