Possible modulating influence of frontal cortex on nigro‐striatal function

Abstract

After administration of (+)‐amphetamine, rats with unilateral ablations of the frontal cortex rotated either ipsilaterally or contralaterally as a function of time after surgery. At early postoperative intervals (1–7 days), rotation was towards the side of the lesion. At later times (15–30 days), rotation was towards the intact side. Repeated testing with amphetamine appeared to slow the time‐course of changes in rotational behaviour. These results suggest that a dopaminergic nigro‐striatal system is modulated by the frontal cortex and that unilateral removal of the latter produces a denervation supersensitivity of the former. 1973 British Pharmacological Society