Motor System
In rodents, dopaminergic projections from the substantia nigra to the striatum have been implicated in motoric function:
- locomotion
- stereotyped behavior
- rotational behavior
- postural asymmetries
These effects of dopamine are associated with dopaminergic receptors within the striatum; several subtypes are present:
- subtypes: D1 dopamine receptors and D2 dopamine receptors
Estrogen plays an important role in facilitating dopamine neurotransmission within the striatum which leads to selective increases in motoric function:
- changes in motoric function in females at different stages of the estrus cycle
- sex differences in motor function