Role of globus pallidus GABA and opiate receptors in apomorphine circling in nigro-striatal lesioned rats.

The effect of lesioning the ipsilateral globus pallidus (GP) on apomorphine-induced circling in nigro-striatal lesioned rats was investigated. A GP electrolesion almost abolished circling whereas a kainic acid lesion partly antagonized circling. Drugs that affect GABA and opiate receptors were injected in GP through a cannula. Circling was antagonized by the GABA antagonists picrotoxin and bicuculline, the GABA agonist muscimol and by baclofen. Opiate receptor agonists including morphine, levorphanol, [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin and beta-endorphin had no effect on circling in GP. Ethylketazocine caused a pronounced, naloxone-reversible slowing of apomorphine circling. Apomorphine-induced circling behaviour may be modulated by GP GABA receptors and kappa-type opiate receptors.