In PC12 cells, non-toxic L-DOPA induced cell survival by c-Jun activation (Ser73).
Toxic L-DOPA treatment induced c-Jun phosphorylation (Ser63) and c-Jun expression.
Multiple treatments with L-DOPA (20 μM) also induces c-Jun phosphorylation (Ser63).
These conditions subsequently led to cell death by Epac-sustained ERK-c-Jun system.
These results were validated by long-term L-DOPA administration in a rat model of PD.