To determine whether the adenosine A(2A) receptor might play a role in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease, we analyzed changes in the expression of A(2A) receptor mRNA in response to intermittent treatment with L-DOPA in rats with dopaminergic denervation by 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA) infusion into the medial forebrain bundle. Intermittent treatment with L-DOPA increased A(2A) receptor mRNA levels in the dopamine-depleted striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats exhibiting behavioral sensitization to L-DOPA. These results suggest that A(2A) receptor activation is associated with the development of motor complications induced by L-DOPA treatment. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.