Ratings of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in the unilateral 6-OHDA lesion model of Parkinson's disease in rats and mice.

This unit provides detailed protocols for establishing rodent models of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. The 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion procedure is described in more detail for mice than for rats since the lesioning procedure in rats has been described extensively in previous work and is less difficult to perform. Unlike primate models, rodent models of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia are relatively simple and fast to set up, thus being affordable to most laboratories. These models allow for studying the dyskinetic complications of L-DOPA treatment on large groups of animals under strictly controlled experimental conditions. Along with information and structured protocols for the practical execution of the test, this unit provides a detailed description of the rating scale and the phenomenology of rodent abnormal involuntary movements, and suggestions for beginners.