Gamma-aminobutyric acid and basal ganglia outflow pathways.

Neurons containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are important outflow pathways from the striatum to the pallidal complex and substantia nigra. From these areas GABA-containing neurons pass to the thalamus and to various areas of the brainstem. Manipulation of GABA function in outflow zones in the rat can produce catalepsy, locomotor hyperactivity, stereotypy or circling behaviour, so mimicking the effect of altered dopamine function within basal ganglia. However, the behaviours produced by such manipulation do not form part of the animal's normal activities. Consequently manipulation of GABA action in the outflow zones of the basal ganglia may mimic extrapyramidal movement disorders more closely than the normal functions of these regions of the brain.