Influence of dopaminergic systems on the lateral habenular nucleus of the rat.

The alterations in glucose utilization in the lateral habenular nucleus following the systemic administration of a putative dopaminergic agonist and antagonist have been examined in 48 rats by means of the autoradiographic 2-deoxyglucose technique. The administration of apomorphine (0.15--5 mg/kg) resulted in significant dose-dependent reductions (by 25 +/- 5% following 0.5 mg/kg) in glucose utilization in the lateral habenula. Haloperidol administration (0.01--10 mg/kg) was associated with increased (by 46 +/- 17% with 0.1 mg/kg) glucose utilization in the lateral habenula. The effects of apomorphine upon metabolic activity in the lateral habenula can be prevented by the prior administration of haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg). These observations provide evidence that metabolic activity in the lateral habenula, a nucleus occupying a strategic position between the forebrain and the mesencephalon, may be regulated by the activity in dopaminergic systems.