Table 2 -.

Methods of analyzing dopaminergic system function. – This table lists the endpoints used in this study to examine different aspects of the DA system, from a molecular level to behavioral phenotypes. This purpose of this table is to provide insight into the options available and their advantages and disadvantages when assessing the state of the dopaminergic system. Price range depends on availability of assay specific equipment.

Method	Positives	Negatives	Cost	Assay Specific Reagents	Assay Specific Equipment
Neuron Scoring	• Direct visualization of neurons	• Must use strain with transgene insert pdat-1::GFP • Only identifies morphologically-based dopaminergic dysfunction	Low-Very High	• Paralytic agent ($)	• Fluorescence Scope ($ $ $ $)
Area Exploration	• Less prone to user error	• Slightly time-consuming • Difficult to use for multi-strain comparisons at larval stages	Low - High	• None	• Stereomicroscope with Camera and Video Acquisition Software ($ $ $)
Body Bends	• Published standard method	• Very time-consuming • Identification of BBs can be difficult • Difficult to use for multi-strain comparisons at larval stages	Low - High	• None	• Stereomicroscope with Camera and Video Acquisition Software ($ $ $)
Reversals	• Easy to quantify	• Low output values • Difficult to use for multi-strain comparisons at larval stages	Low- High	• None	• Stereomicroscope with Camera and Video Acquisition Software ($ $ $)
cat-2 mRNA Quantification	• Detection of changes at the molecular level	• Requires high number of worms	Moderate - High	• RNeasy Kit with DNase Digestion ($) • cat-2 primers ($) • Power SYBR Green MM ($ $)	• Real-time PCR System ($ $ $) • Thermocycler ($ $)
DA ELISA	• Directly quantifies neurotransmitter changes	• Very time-consuming • Requires high number of worms	Moderate - High	• ABNOVA DA ELISA Kit ($ $) • BCA Protein Assay Kit ($)	• Microplate Reader ($ $ $)