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Background: Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are a rare but clinically important cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although regrowth or repeat rupture can occur following reconstructive endovascular treatment of BBAs, there is currently a lack of studies reporting the surgical exploration of BBAs after endovascular management. Herein, we present the first case report of a ruptured BBA treated with reconstructive endovascular treatment followed by surgical exploration. Case Presentation: A 42-year-old woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage was found to have the following: a saccular aneurysm of the lateral wall of the right supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA); and irregular vessel wall of the anterior wall of the right supraclinoid ICA on angiography. Based on intraoperative findings, the patient was diagnosed with a ruptured BBA of the right ICA. She underwent coating of the dissected ICA followed by overlapping stents; however, angiography showed rapid regrowth of the aneurysm. After high-flow bypass, surgical exploration was performed under proximal control of the cervical ICA. The deployed stent was directly observed through a vessel wall defect of the anterior wall which was consistent with angiographical irregular vessel wall. There was a clear positional discrepancy between angiographical base of the aneurysm and intraoperative laceration site. Conclusions: Surgical exploration indicates there is a potential risk of regrowth and/or repeat rupture of BBAs until the stent is fully endothelialized. Moreover, stent should be deployed to ensure that the irregular vessel wall is included when reconstructive endovascular treatment is employed for ruptured BBAs associated with irregular vessel wall.

Abstract Ionizing radiation induces genetic variations in plants, which makes it useful for plant breeding. A theory that the induced mutations occur randomly in the genome has long been accepted, but is now controversial. Nevertheless, a comparative analysis of the mutations at multiple loci has not been conducted using irradiated M1 genomes that contain all types of mutations. In this study, we identified Arabidopsis mutants (pab2 and pab3) in a mutagenized population of an anthocyanin-positive seed mutant (ban). Both pab2 and pab3 were revealed to be double mutants (tt4 ban and tt8 ban, respectively) that produced similar anthocyanin-less immature seeds, but differentially colored mature seeds. These features enabled the seed color-based detection of de novo M1 mutations in TT4 or TT8 following the irradiation of double heterozygous plants (TT4/tt4 TT8/tt8 ban/ban). Most of the irradiated double heterozygous plants produced anthocyanin-positive immature seeds, but 19 plants produced anthocyanin-less immature seeds. Of these 19 mutants, 2 and 17 exhibited tt4- and tt8-type mature seed coloration, respectively. The molecular analysis of the seed coat DNA from randomly selected anthocyanin-less seeds detected mutations at the locus predicted on the basis of the phenotype. Thus, the simple system developed in this study can reliably detect radiation-induced mutations at multiple loci in irradiated Arabidopsis M1 plants.

The molecular nature of mutations induced by ionizing radiation and chemical mutagens in plants is becoming clearer owing to the availability of high-throughput DNA sequencing technology. However, few studies have compared the induced mutations between different radiation qualities and between different irradiated materials with the same analysis method. To compare mutation induction between dry-seeds and seedlings irradiated with carbon ions and gamma rays in Arabidopsis, in this study we detected the mutations induced by seedling irradiation with gamma rays and analyzed the data together with data previously obtained for the other irradiation treatments. Mutation frequency at the equivalent dose for survival reduction was higher with gamma rays than with carbon ions, and was higher with dry-seed irradiation than with seedling irradiation. Carbon ions induced a higher frequency of deletions (2−99 bp) than gamma rays in the case of dry-seed irradiation, but this difference was less evident in the case of seedling irradiation. This result supported the inference that dry-seed irradiation under a lower water content more clearly reflects the difference in radiation quality. However, the ratio of rearrangements (inversions, translocations, and deletions larger than 100 bp), which are considered to be derived from the rejoining of two distantly located DNA breaks, was significantly higher with carbon ions than gamma rays irrespective of the irradiated material. This finding suggested that high-linear energy transfer radiation induced closely located DNA damage, irrespective of the water content of the material, that could lead to the generation of rearrangements. Taken together, the results provide an overall picture of radiation-induced mutation in Arabidopsis and will be useful for selection of a suitable radiation treatment for mutagenesis.

Abstract Existing methods for biopsy of intraparenchymal brain lesions, including stereotactic biopsy and open block biopsy, have advantages and disadvantages. We propose a novel biopsy method, called “boring biopsy,” which aims to overcome the drawbacks of each conventional method. This method is less invasive and allows obtaining continuous specimens of sufficient volume. We aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using boring biopsy for intraparenchymal brain lesions. We included 26 consecutive patients who underwent boring biopsy for intraparenchymal lesions. Columnar continuous specimens from the surface of the normal brain tissue to the tumor margin and the center of the lesion were obtained using the boring biopsy method. We used a catheter introducer with original modifications to create a cylindrical biopsy tool for surgery. Columnar continuous specimens were successfully obtained. Histopathological diagnosis was based on cellular changes and differentiation from normal tissues to the core of the lesion and established in all cases. No permanent deficits, major adverse outcomes, or deaths were observed. This novel technique may improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce invasiveness associated with brain biopsy. This method may become the next standard procedure, particularly in some cases where histological evaluation is paramount, and conventional biopsy methods are not suitable.

l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) is a candidate neurotransmitter. l-DOPA is released by nicotine through nicotinic receptors. Recently, G-protein coupled receptor GPR143, was identified as a receptor for l-DOPA. In this study, genetic association studies between GPR143 genetic polymorphisms and smoking behaviors revealed that the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs6640499, in the GPR143 gene, was associated with traits of smoking behaviors in Japanese individuals. In Gpr143 gene-deficient mice, nicotine-induced hypolocomotion and rewarding effect were attenuated compared to those in wild-type mice. Our findings suggest the involvement of GPR143 in the smoking behaviors.

Radiation-induced mutations have been detected by whole-genome sequencing analyses of self-pollinated generations of mutagenized plants. However, large DNA alterations and mutations in non-germline cells were likely missed. In this study, in order to detect various types of mutations in mutagenized M1 plants, anthocyanin pigmentation was used as a visible marker of mutations. Arabidopsis seeds heterozygous for the anthocyanin biosynthetic genes were irradiated with gamma-rays. Anthocyanin-less vegetative sectors resulting from a loss of heterozygosity were isolated from the gamma-irradiated M1 plants. The whole-genome sequencing analysis of the sectors detected various mutations, including structural variations (SVs) and large deletions (≥100 bp), both of which have been less characterized in the previous researches using gamma-irradiated plant genomes of M2 or later generations. Various types of rejoined sites were found in SVs, including no-insertion/deletion (indel) sites, only-deletion sites, only-insertion sites, and indel sites, but the rejoined sites with 0-5 bp indels represented most of the SVs. Examinations of the junctions of rearrangements (SVs and large deletions), medium deletions (10-99 bp), and small deletions (2-9 bp) revealed unique features (i.e., frequency of insertions and microhomology) at the rejoined sites. These results suggest that they were formed preferentially via different processes. Additionally, mutations that occurred in putative single M1 cells were identified according to the distribution of their allele frequency. The estimated mutation frequencies and spectra of the M1 cells were similar to those of previously analyzed M2 cells, with the exception of the greater proportion of rearrangements in the M1 cells. These findings suggest there are no major differences in the small mutations (

Introduction: Dysphagia is relatively common in individuals with neurological disorders. Objective: To describe the swallowing management and investigate associated factors with swallowing in a case series of patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: It is a long-term study with 24 patients. The patients were observed in a five-year period (2006-2011). They underwent Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Functional Oral Intake Scale and therapeutic intervention every three months. In the therapeutic intervention they received orientation about exercises to improve swallowing. The Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's tests were used. The period of time for improvement or worsening of swallowing was described by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: During the follow-up, ten patients improved, five stayed the same and nine worsened their swallowing functionality. The median time for improvement was ten months. Prior to the worsening there was a median time of 33 months of follow-up. There was no associated factor with improvement or worsening of swallowing. The maneuvers frequently indicated in therapeutic intervention were: chin-tuck, bolus consistency, bolus effect, strengthening-tongue, multiple swallows and vocal exercises. Conclusion: The swallowing management was characterized by swallowing assessment every three months with indication of compensatory and rehabilitation maneuvers, aiming to maintain the oral feeding without risks. There was no associated factor with swallowing functionality in this case series.

Objective This investigation aimed to identify associated factors with dysphagia severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Method We performed a cross-sectional study of 49 patients with ALS. All patients underwent fiberoptic endoscopy evaluation of swallowing and answered a verbal questionnaire about swallowing complaints. The patients were divided into groups according to dysphagia severity. Results Among the factors analyzed, only odynophagia was associated with moderate or severe dysphagia. Conclusion Odynophagia was associated with moderate and severe dysphagia in ALS and suggests a high risk of pulmonary and nutritional complications.

The work reported here assesses the coverage achieved by two sales-based approaches to distributing a complementary food supplement (KOKO Plus™) to infants and young children in Ghana. Delivery Model 1 was conducted in the Northern Region of Ghana and used a mixture of health extension workers (delivering behavior change communications and demand creation activities at primary healthcare centers and in the community) and petty traders recruited from among beneficiaries of a local microfinance initiative (responsible for the sale of the complementary food supplement at market stalls and house to house). Delivery Model 2 was conducted in the Eastern Region of Ghana and used a market-based approach, with the product being sold through micro-retail routes (i.e., small shops and roadside stalls) in three districts supported by behavior change communications and demand creation activities led by a local social marketing company. Both delivery models were implemented sub-nationally as 1-year pilot programs, with the aim of informing the design of a scaled-up program. A series of cross-sectional coverage surveys was implemented in each program area. Results from these surveys show that Delivery Model 1 was successful in achieving and sustaining high (i.e., 86%) effective coverage (i.e., the child had been given the product at least once in the previous 7 days) during implementation. Effective coverage fell to 62% within 3 months of the behavior change communications and demand creation activities stopping. Delivery Model 2 was successful in raising awareness of the product (i.e., 90% message coverage), but effective coverage was low (i.e., 9.4%). Future programming efforts should use the health extension / microfinance / petty trader approach in rural settings and consider adapting this approach for use in urban and peri-urban settings. Ongoing behavior change communications and demand creation activities is likely to be essential to the continued success of such programming.

OBJETIVO: analisar parâmetros fonoarticulatórios de professores, pré e pós-programa de aprimoramento vocal. MÉTODO: um programa de aprimoramento vocal foi oferecido numa escola estadual do município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. Treze professores aceitaram participar do programa. Devido ao critério de exclusão, apenas cinco foram selecionados para as análises. Os sujeitos foram previamente submetidos à avaliação laringológica. Foram realizados 12 encontros semanais de 1 hora e 30 minutos na própria escola. No primeiro e no último encontro os sujeitos gravaram três "frases-veículo". As gravações foram submetidas à análise perceptivo-auditiva (para avaliação do pitch, da modulação e da articulação) e acústica (para avaliação da freqüência fundamental, da extensão de freqüência e dos dois primeiros formantes). Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. RESULTADOS: mesmo com o pequeno número de sujeitos, os resultados do presente estudo, revelaram ampliação significante da extensão de freqüência, indicando maior uso deste recurso expressivo pós-aprimoramento, além do aumento estatisticamente significante de F1 nas vogais /i/ e /u/ pós-intervenção, sugerindo melhora no ajuste articulatório. CONCLUSÕES: não foram observadas modificações no pitch, modulação e articulação avaliados por meio da análise perceptivo-auditiva, bem como da freqüência fundamental pós-intervenção.PURPOSE: to analyze and correlate teachers' vocal and articulation parameters in a pre and post vocal improvement program. METHOD: a vocal improvement program was offered to a fundamental education state school, located in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Thirteen teachers agreed to take part in the program, however, due to the exclusion criterion, only five "subjects" were selected for the analysis. Teachers were previously submitted to a laryngologist evaluation. Twelve weekly meetings of one and a half hour each were held in the school. In the first and the last meetings, the teachers made a three sentence-vehicle recording, which were submitted to a perceptual evaluation (pitch, modulation and articulation) and an acoustic analysis (fundamental frequency, the frequency length and two first formants' assessment). Data were submitted to statistic analysis. RESULTS: even with a small number of subjects, the results of this study, suggest significant expansion in the frequency extension and a statistically significant increase of F1 in the post-intervention vowels / i / and / u /. CONCLUSIONS: there were no changes in pitch, modulation and articulation measured through perceptual analysis, and fundamental post-intervention frequency.

OBJETIVO: analisar possíveis ações para a prevenção e a promoção da saúde vocal de professores através da análise de interações entre aspectos vocais, ocupacionais e preventivos. MÉTODO: um estudo qualitativo-quantitativo foi realizado numa escola pública do estado de São Paulo com 26 professores. Desenvolveu-se um programa de aprimoramento vocal que contou com avaliação laringológica, aplicação de questionário e intervenção preventivo-terapêutica em grupo. Para quantificar o grau de associação entre os aspectos vocais, ocupacionais e preventivos, foi utilizado o Teste Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: observou-se que a maioria dos professores (exceto dois) referiram algum tipo de queixa relacionada ao uso da voz na profissão. Foram observadas alterações laríngeas em três dos dez professores que se submeteram à avaliação laringológica. Quanto ao estresse, 20 referiram estresse de alguma natureza, e destes, 10 referiram estresse vocal. Treze professores participaram da intervenção. Entretanto, apenas cinco concluíram-na. Houve significância estatística na associação entre a quantidade de sintomas vocais e a participação na intervenção preventivo-terapêutica, mostrando que participaram da intervenção, os professores com mais de três sintomas vocais. Também foi observada tendência à associação entre indisponibilidade de tempo e referência a estresse vocal. CONCLUSÃO: acredita-se que a saúde vocal do professor esteja amplamente relacionada a aspectos ocupacionais, mesmo não tendo sido encontrado significância estatística em todas as associações investigadas. As ações preventivas devem valorizar as atuações multi ou interdisciplinares, os trabalhos de sensibilização para a percepção da importância da voz no ensino, a identificação e atenuação de fatores de risco, os programas de aprimoramento vocal e a integração entre todos os atores envolvidos com a escola.PURPOSE: to examine possible actions for preventing and promoting vocal health of teachers through the understanding of interactions among vocal, occupational and preventive aspects. METHODS: we developed a qualitative and quantitative study at a public school in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, with 26 teachers. This study developed a program to improve voice, which counted on a laryngological examination, a questionnaire application and a preventive intervention-therapy group. To quantify the degree of association between the vocal, occupational and preventive aspects, we used the Chi-square test. RESULTS: it was observed that most teachers (except two) reported some type of complaint related to the use of voice in the profession. Alterations were observed in three of the ten teachers who underwent laryngological examination. Twenty subjects reported some type of stress, and from these, 10 reported vocal stress. Thirteen teachers took part in the intervention group, however, only five completed it. There was a statistically significant association between the quantity of vocal symptoms and participation in the preventive-therapeutic intervention group, showing that teachers with more than three vocal symptoms took part in the group. There was also a trend for association between lack of time and reference to vocal stress. CONCLUSION: we believe that vocal health of teachers is largely related to occupational aspects, even if we did not find statistically significant associations in all investigated. The preventive actions are to capitalize on the importance of multi-or interdisciplinary performances, on the works to raise awareness of the importance of voice in the education process, on the identification and mitigation of risk factors, on vocal enhancement programs and on voice integration among all actors involved with the school.

Dentre os trabalhadores, a categoria mais numerosa que faz uso profissional da voz é a dos professores. Este artigo teve por objetivo discutir, sob a óptica do professor, o uso da voz na prática docente e a prevenção de problemas vocais. Trata-se de um estudo de caso qualitativo-descritivo com 25 professores. Com base num roteiro semiestruturado foram realizadas entrevistas a fim de conhecer a relação dos sujeitos com suas vozes, a relação dos sujeitos com o trabalho docente e obter sugestões de ações preventivas. Os resultados indicaram que a alteração vocal era percebida, mas geralmente atribuída maior importância ao fato de fazer-se compreender e de exercer controle sobre os alunos em sala de aula. Os professores que ainda não tinham problemas vocais conheciam colegas que tinham, reconheciam o risco ao qual estavam expostos e, aparentemente, consideravam-no uma consequência natural e esperada da prática docente. Acreditavam que as intervenções com os alunos, o apoio da entidade empregadora, a presença de especialistas na escola e o trabalho com as necessidades específicas que enfrentam em sala de aula, poderiam ajudar a preservar suas vozes.Among workers, the largest category that makes professional use of the voice is that of teachers. This article aims to discuss, from the teacher's perspective, the use of the voice in the teaching practice and the prevention of vocal problems. It is a qualitative-descriptive case study carried out with 25 teachers. Based on a semi-structured script, interviews were conducted to ascertain the subjects' relationship with their voice and with the teaching work, and also to receive suggestions for preventive actions. Results indicated that the voice alteration was perceived, but the teachers usually gave more importance to making sure they were being understood and to exerting control over the students. The teachers who had not had vocal problems yet knew colleagues who had; they knew the risk to which they were exposed and, apparently, they regarded it as a natural and expected consequence of the teaching practice. They believed that interventions with the students, the employer's support, the presence of specialists in the school and the work with the specific needs they face in the classroom could help them preserve their voices.

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver e consolidar uma ampla base de dados acerca da ocorrência das pneumoconioses numa região industrializada do Brasil, com especial referência às atividades mais freqüentemente relacionadas a essas doenças. MÉTODOS: Numa avaliação retrospectiva observacional, coletaram-se dados referentes à casuística ambulatorial das pneumoconioses no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, entre o período de 1978 e 2003. Incluíram-se os indivíduos com diagnóstico de pneumoconiose, com base no histórico ocupacional e no radiograma do tórax, segundo recomendações da Organização Internacional do Trabalho, de 1980 e 2000, com anormalidades compatíveis com comprometimento intersticial do parênquima pulmonar. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 1.147 casos de pneumoconiose (1.075 homens e 72 mulheres), sendo 1.061 casos (92,5%) de silicose, 51 (4,45%) de pneumoconiose por poeira mista, 15 (1,31%) de asbestose, 13 (1,13%) de pneumoconiose por rocha fosfática e 7 (0,61%) de outras pneumoconioses (por carvão, grafite e metais duros). As alterações radiológicas com profusão 1/0, 1/1 e 1/2 e as pequenas opacidades regulares p, q e r foram as mais freqüentes, tendo sido identificados 192 casos (16,74%) com grandes opacidades. Observou-se redução pronunciada da ocorrência dos casos a partir da década de 1990; adicionalmente, o tempo de exposição foi caracteristicamente mais breve do que o observado em série norte-americana. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados do presente estudo estabelecem uma ampla base de dados para a investigação da ocorrência de pneumoconioses numa região industrializada brasileira, tornando factível a realização de estudos de seguimento e a elaboração de políticas de saúde relacionadas aos agravos respiratórios ocupacionais.OBJECTIVE: To develop and consolidate a comprehensive database on the occurrence of pneumoconioses in an industrialized region of Brazil, with a special focus on the activities most frequently related to these diseases. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was conducted in order to gather data on cases of pneumoconioses treated at the outpatient clinic of the State University at Campinas Hospital das Clínicas between 1978 and 2003. Individuals diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, based on their occupational history and on chest X-ray findings of abnormalities consistent with interstitial lung disease involving the parenchyma, in accordance with the 1980 and 2000 recommendations of the International Labour Organization, were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 1147 cases of pneumoconiosis were identified (1075 in males and 72 in females): 1061 cases of silicosis (92.5%); 51 cases of mixed-dust pneumoconiosis (4.45%); 15 cases of asbestosis (1.31%); 13 cases of phosphate rock-related pneumoconiosis (1.13%); and 7 cases of other types of pneumoconiosis (0.6%), including those related to exposure to coal, graphite and hard metals. The most common chest X-ray findings were 1/0, 1/1 or 1/2 profusion and small regular opacities (p, q or r), although 192 patients (16.74%) presented large opacities. There has been a substantial decline in the occurrence of the disease since the 1990s, and the duration of exposure was typically shorter than that observed in a study conducted in the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings have been compiled into a comprehensive database for the investigation of pneumoconiosis in an industrialized area of Brazil. These data make it possible to conduct follow-up studies and develop health policies related to occupational respiratory disorders.

This study examines how the spread of the Internet has affected Japanese people’s information acquisition from traditional media or via traditional information channels. In particular, this study focuses on displacement and complementary effects and on devices for Internet access. Using representative data from Japan ( N = 1,179), the results show that Internet use via mobile phone has complementary effects on information acquisition from traditional media, while Internet use via personal computers does not. In addition, the results show that Internet use via personal computers has a displacement effect on information acquisition from radio. These findings are discussed with regard to communication means, social contexts, and media interfaces.

O objetivo deste trabalho é revisar os riscos ocupacionais relacionados ao câncer de pulmão. Inicialmente, situa-se a importância desse câncer na população brasileira. Discute-se a seguir a associação de alguns agentes físicos e químicos, presentes em diferentes processos industriais relevantes, na gênese desse tipo de neoplasia. Na parte final é salientado o diagnóstico clínico e a importância da prevenção primária para seu controle.The objective of this chapter was to review the occupational risk factors for developing lung cancer. Initially, the significance of lung cancer in the Brazilian population is addressed. Subsequently, the relationships between the genesis of this type of neoplasia and various physical and chemical agents generated by industrial processes are discussed. In the conclusion, the roles that clinical diagnosis and early prevention play in controlling occupational lung cancer are addressed.

Da mesma forma que uma boa anamnese é fundamental para o diagnóstico em geral, a história de exposição ambiental e ocupacional é informação basilar para o entendimento das doenças respiratórias ocupacionais. Estima-se que até 20% das doenças intersticiais e das vias aéreas são decorrentes dessas exposições. Por outro lado, raramente encontramos na anamnese informações sobre eventuais exposições ambientais ou sobre o trabalho/ocupação/função dos nossos pacientes. Assim, esse tema torna-se imprescindível à discussão entre os profissionais de saúde envolvidos nesse campo da atuação médica, se realmente almejamos avaliar a estimativa da magnitude desse problema em nosso meio.Just as a complete patient history is fundamental to making any diagnosis, the history of environmental exposure in the workplace forms the informational base needed in order to understand occupational respiratory diseases. It is estimated that 20% of all cases of interstitial or airway disease are related to such exposure. However, information regarding potential environmental exposure is rarely included in the patient history, nor is job/occupation/function taken into consideration. Therefore, this theme has become pivotal to the discussion among health care professionals working in this area, who must decide whether evaluating and estimating the magnitude of this problem are truly desirable goals.

PURPOSE: To describe swallowing management in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson' disease (PD), to investigate whether physiopathology determines the choice of therapeutic approaches, and to investigate whether the disease duration modifies the therapeutic approaches. METHODS: This is a long-term study comprising 24 patients with idiopathic PD and 27 patients with ALS. The patients were followed-up in a dysphagia outpatient clinic between 2006 and 2011. The patients underwent clinic evaluation and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Functional Oral Intake Scale, and therapeutic intervention every 3 months. The swallowing management was based on orientation about the adequate food consistency and volume, besides the necessary maneuvers or exercises to improve swallowing functionality. An exploratory analysis of data was used to investigate associations between the groups of disease (PD or ALS) and clinic aspects and to know about the association between the groups of diseases and the application of maneuver or exercises over the follow-up. RESULTS: The most frequent recommended maneuvers in PD were bolus effect (83.3%), bolus consistency (79.2%), and swallowing frequency (79%). To patients with ALS, the bolus consistency (92%) and the bolus effect (74.1%) were more recommended. Strengthening-tongue (p=0.01), tongue control (p=0.05), and vocal exercises (p

Dopamine neurons play crucial roles in pleasure, reward, memory, learning, and fine motor skills and their dysfunction is associated with various neuropsychiatric diseases. Dopamine receptors are the main target of treatment for neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Antipsychotics that antagonize the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) are used to alleviate the symptoms of these disorders but may also sometimes cause disabling side effects such as parkinsonism (catalepsy in rodents). Here we show that GPR143, a G-protein-coupled receptor for L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), expressed in striatal cholinergic interneurons enhances the DRD2-mediated side effects of haloperidol, an antipsychotic agent. Haloperidol-induced catalepsy was attenuated in male Gpr143 gene-deficient (Gpr143-/y) mice compared with wild-type (Wt) mice. Reducing the endogenous release of L-DOPA and preventing interactions between GPR143 and DRD2 suppressed the haloperidol-induced catalepsy in Wt mice but not Gpr143-/y mice. The phenotypic defect in Gpr143-/y mice was mimicked in cholinergic interneuron-specific Gpr143-/y (Chat-cre;Gpr143flox/y) mice. Administration of haloperidol increased the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 at Ser240/244 in the dorsolateral striatum of Wt mice but not Chat-cre;Gpr143flox/y mice. In Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing DRD2, co-expression of GPR143 increased cell surface expression level of DRD2, and L-DOPA application further enhanced the DRD2 surface expression. Shorter pauses in cholinergic interneuron firing activity were observed after intrastriatal stimulation in striatal slice preparations from Chat-cre; Gpr143flox/y mice compared with those from Wt mice. Together, these findings provide evidence that GPR143 regulates DRD2 function in cholinergic interneurons and may be involved in parkinsonism induced by antipsychotic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]