The role of the GABA(B) receptor and calcium channels in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's Disease.

Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster carrying the human gene for alpha synuclein is an animal model for the study of Parkinson's Disease. Climbing activity in these flies is reduced as a result of the effect of this protein on the locomotor activity of the transgenic fly. L-DOPA and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) reverse the loss of this activity when placed in the food fed to these flies.