Role of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons in the expression of neuroleptic-induced catalepsy.

Bilateral kainate-induced lesions of the substantia nigra prevented or dramatically reduced the catalepsy produced by haloperidol. In contrast, infusion of 1 or 4 micrograms 6-OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle, which decreased striatal DA by 30% and 80% respectively, failed to affect or actually potentiated haloperidol catalepsy. Since intranigral kainate, in contrast to 6-OHDA, destroys pars reticulata neurons it appears that these neurons are essential for the expression of haloperidol-catalepsy.