Serotonin/dopamine interaction in the induction and maintenance of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia: An update

Abstract

Ample evidence suggests that the serotonergic system plays a major role in several aspects of Parkinson's disease. In this review, we focus on the interplay between dopamine and serotonin in the appearance of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), the most troublesome side effect of L-DOPA therapy. Indeed, while this drug exerts significant amelioration of motor symptoms during the first few years of treatment, eventually, most of patients experience dyskinesias, which limit the use of L-DOPA in advanced stages of disease. Here, we present the mechanisms underlying LID and the role of serotonin neurons, review preclinical and clinical data, and discuss possible therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Dopamine; Dyskinesia; L-DOPA; Parkinson's disease; Serotonin; Serotonin autoreceptors.