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The rotating rodent: A two component system?

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Abstract

The hypothesis that the rotating rat requires both nigro-striatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic components for activity has been tested. 6-Hydroxydopamine lesions were induced unilaterally in either or both the ascending nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine pathways. In one group of rat the nucleus accumbens was destroyed bilaterally with electrolesions. Circling behavior was only recorded when there was both on imbalance in striatal dopamine concentrations concomitant with stimulation of the limbic dopamine regions. Lesions of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway resulted in changes in drug-induced motor activity but postural asymmetry or circling behaviour was not observed. The results support the hypothesis that the rotating rodent requires two functional dopamine components: striatal dopamine imbalance causing a postural asymmetry and stimulation of mesolimbic dopamine systems providing a locomotor component. The relevance of these components in this animal model is discussed with reference to dopaminergic agonist and antagonist drugs.

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Cited by (149)

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    Citation Excerpt :

    The MFB lesion model depletes DA in the dorsal and ventral striatum and leads to cell death in both the SNpc and VTA. The destruction of both the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways induces rotational behavior [37–40]. While rotation behavior is focused on dopamine receptor activation it is important to also consider the potential role of other neurotransmitters and dopaminergic projections other than the nigrostriatal pathway.

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Present address and correspondence: Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1 TD, England.

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