Elsevier

Experimental Neurology

Volume 30, Issue 3, March 1971, Pages 484-491
Experimental Neurology

Relation of contraversive turning to unilateral release of dopamine from the nigrostriatal pathway in rats

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Abstract

In order to elucidate the functional role of the dopamine-containing nigrostriatal pathway, bipolar tungsten electrodes were implanted in the region of the substantia nigra and somewhat rostral to it. Stimulation with 100-Hz, 0.5-msec pulses in the medial part of the substantia nigra and the region medial to it elicited contraversive turning behavior. Turning, however, showed rapid fatigue with continued stimulation. Similar turning behavior could be seen with electrodes placed at a point anterior to the substantia nigra on the route probably followed by the nigrostriatal axons. When these electrode tips were used to make electrolytic lesions, the dopamine content of the caudate nucleus on the same side was reduced. If such animals were treated with methylamphetamine they showed a marked tendency to turn toward the side of the lesion These results are consistent with the hypothesis that unilateral activation of the dopamine-containing nigrostriatal pathway results in turning away from the activated side.

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