Abstract
Localized lesions or local applications of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the nucleus reticularis tegment pontis (NRTP) of rats cause rapidly accelerating forward locomotion. Such 'festination' can coexist with blockade of the dopamine system. We suggest that (i) the akinesia produced by dopamine deficiency results at least in part from release of excessive inhibition of locomotion by a neural system whose final common inhibitory path includes the region of the NRTP and (ii) when it occurs in addition to nigrostriatal damage, destruction in the region of the NRTP might be the cause of a form of festination seen in some patients suffering from Parkinsonism.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 3279-3283 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 78 |
Issue number | 5 I |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1981 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General