Interaction of dopamine agonists with disrupted mesolimbic pathways implications for mental health

ABSTRACT

This work was designed to evaluate, in conjunction with certain dopamine agonists, the effects of disruption of the mesolimbic system on spontaneous motor activity and stereotype. The results indicated that lesions to the nucleus accumbens produced increments in motor activity that were exacerbated by amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg). Administration of apomorphine (1.0 mg.kg) produced similar results but was not as effective as amphetamine in inducing motor dysfunction. The relevance of these findings to psychopathology and motor disorders is discussed, with implications for public health policy (AU)