Striatal inhibition of calpains prevents levodopa-induced neurochemical changes and abnormal involuntary movements in the hemiparkinsonian rat model

► Using 6-OHDA-lesioned rat, we study the role of calpains and cdk5 in dyskinesia. ► Intrastriatal inhibition of calpains/cdk5 activity reduces l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. ► No alteration of the antiparkinsonian effect of l-DOPA is observed. ► These treatments reverse molecular changes associated with l-DOPA therapy. ► Calpains inhibition increases TH levels in the striatum of lesioned rats.