The role of the corpus striatum in neuroleptic- and narcotic-induced catalepsy.

Lesion experiments (in the rat) were designed to elucidate the function of the corpus striatum in neuroleptic- and narcotic-induced catalepsy, respectively. Bilateral lesions of the corpus striatum were observed to attenuate neuroleptic (CPZ)-induced catalepsy. However, analogous lesions of the corpus striatum potentiated narcotic (morphine)-induced catalepsy. These results suggests that (a) the corpus striatum may be a primary site of action of neuroleptic drugs (such as CPZ) in the production of catalepsy, and (b) narcotic (morphine)-induced catalepsy may not be exclusively mediated by the corpus striatum.