Quantification of Lesion-induced Dopaminergic Supersensitivity Using the Rotational Model in the Mouse

A dual lesion technique was used to determine the degree of supersensitivity resulting from nigrostriatal lesions in C57BL/6J mice. Internal capsule lesions encroaching on globus pallidus resulted in reliable ipsilateral rotation both to apomorphine and amphetamine. Dose-response curves to apomorphine were determined before and 21 days after 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the contralateral nigrostriatal pathway. A 31.5-fold shift to the left was observed following the nigrostriatal lesion, with no change in slope. The extent and placement of the internal capsule lesion, as well as the magnitude of supersensitization correspond closely to those previously reported in the rat.