[Implication of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the mesencephalic central gray level, in the elaboration of flight responses].

In the rat, a microinjection of bicuculline methiodide (0.03 to 0.065 nmole) into the mesencephalic central gray (GC) provokes a flight response. At a lower dose, it reduces - or increases - the latency with which the rat switches off an electrical stimulation applied to the GC. This latency is regularly increased by a local microinjection of muscimol. These results suggest that a GABAergic link within the GC is involved in the generation of an aversive effect and of the flight response which may express it.