Figure 6.

Dopamine synthesizing and metabolizing enzymes, as well as transporters in wild-type (wt) and Go2α^−/− mice. A) Amounts of TH and DAT were analyzed in synaptosomal preparations (whole brain) from wt and Go2α^−/− mice. Amount of TH is reduced in Go2α^−/− mice. Values represent means ± se; n = 4. B) Determination of MAO A + B activity in synaptosomes from wt and Go2α^−/− mice revealed no difference between the genotypes. Values represent the means ± se; n = 3. C) VMAT2 expression in wt and Go2α^−/− mice. Subcellular fractionation [H, homogenate; P2, synaptosomes; LP1, lysed synaptosomal pellet 1 at 29,000 g; LP2, lysed synaptosomal pellet 2 (SVs) at 360,000 g] of wt and Go2α^−/− mice revealed that VMAT2 is enriched in the SV fraction (LP2) in both genotypes. Surprisingly, more VMAT2 is expressed in the SV fraction of Go2α^−/− mice compared to wt littermates. For each quantification, 5, 10, and 15 μg of protein of the respective sample was loaded. Quantification is given as relative optical density (OD) and was performed using Syp as a reference. Graphs show the quantification from 10-μg protein load. Values represent means ± se; n = 4 animals/genotype. *P < 0.05.