Neurochemical characterization of the striatum and the nucleus accumbens in L-type Ca(v)1.3 channels knockout mice.

L-type Ca(v)1.3 channels control the autonomous pacemaking of the substantia nigra (SN) dopamine (DA) neurons, which maintains the sustained release of DA in the striatum, its target structure. The persistent engagement of L-type channels during pacemaking might lead to increased vulnerability to environmental stressors or degenerative processes, providing a mechanism for the development of Parkinson's disease (PD).