The dopamine transporter is differentially regulated after dopaminergic lesion

►Dopaminergic injury induces dopamine transporter (DAT) down-regulation. ►Midbrain DA-cells regulate DAT differentially. ►DAT regulation correlates with DA-cell vulnerability. ►DA-cells in the VTA and rostromedial SN regulate DAT and remain intact. ►DA-cells in the caudoventral SN do not regulate DAT and degenerate.