L-type Cav1.2 calcium channel is involved in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

Evidence suggested that L-type calcium channels may play a key role in the pathogenesis of dopaminergic neuron degeneration. In the present study, effects of L-type Cav1.2 calcium channel on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity were investigated. By the semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies, we showed that the expression of L-type Cav1.2 calcium channel α1 subunit mRNA increased in the substantia nigra (SN) of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Treatment with nifedipine could improve the apomorphine-induced rotation behavior in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Using high-performance liquid chromatography electrochemical detection, we also observed that nifedipine partly restored 6-OHDA-induced dopamine depletion in the striatum of rats. These results suggest that the L-type Cav1.2 calcium channel is associated with the development and progression of dopaminergic neuron degeneration.