Lesion of dopaminergic terminals in the amygdala produces enhanced locomotor response to D-amphetamine and opposite changes in dopaminergic activity in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens.

In a previous study using differential pulse voltammetry we demonstrated an interaction between dopaminergic activity in the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens. In the present study, by post-mortem biochemical measurements, we showed that bilateral 6-OHDA lesions of DA innervation of the amygdala leads to an increase in DA activity in the nucleus accumbens (DOPAC/DA ratio +24%) and a reduction (DOPAC/DA ratio -40%) in the prefrontal cortex. In addition, after these lesions in the amygdala, there was an increased behavioral sensitivity to D-amphetamine, demonstrated by enhanced locomotor activity. Increased understanding of the interregulations between dopaminergic activity in forebrain structures may help explain forebrain functions and/or dysfunctions.