Motor System

The administration of apomorphine or amphetamine can also induce rotational behavior; this phenomenon is usually studied in animals in which the nigrostriatal dopamine system has been damaged unilaterally. Depending on the drug that is given, animals will turn in a particular direction.

Selectively destroy

dopamine neurons

by administering

a neurotoxin to the

substantia nigra on one

side (6-hydroxydopamine)

Fewer dopamine

terminals in the striatum

on the lesioned side;

less dopamine available

for release.

Substantia

nigra

Striatum

The administration of apomorphine or amphetamine can also induce rotational behavior; this phenomenon is usually studied in animals in which the nigrostriatal dopamine system has been damaged unilaterally. Depending on the drug that is given, animals will turn in a particular direction.