Bilateral injection of apomorphine (2.5 micrograms) into the substantia nigra zona reticulata of rats reduced both locomotor activity and striatal HVA and DOPAC concentrations. Bilateral injection of dopamine (10 micrograms) did not affect locomotor activity whereas a higher dose of dopamine (50 micrograms) enhanced locomotor activity. Striatal HVA and DOPAC concentrations were unchanged following injection of dopamine. Bilateral injection of (+/-)-3PPP (0.1 or 2.5 micrograms) into the zona reticulata of the substantia nigra did not alter locomotor activity while a higher dose (10 micrograms) enhanced locomotion. Injection of (+/-)-3PPP (0.1-10 micrograms) into the zona reticulata was without effect on striatal HVA or DOPAC concentrations. The bilateral manipulation of nigral dopaminergic neurotransmission alters motor activity and nigrostriatal dopamine turnover in conscious rats. However, the changes in motor activity are not necessarily related to altered nigrostriatal activity, suggesting the involvement of dopamine receptors located at non-dopaminergic sites within the substantia nigra.