Functional aspects of the ventral pallidum

The ventral pallidum is part of the corticoaccumbo-thalamocortical loop of the basal ganglia. In the past the function of this structure was discussed as a pure relay station in the process of limbic-motor integration. Some recent studies, however, underline that on the level of the ventral pallidum motor behavior can be modulated. The stimulation and inhibition of the different transmitter systems that converge in the ventral pallidum (dopamine, glutamate, GABA, neuropeptides) have implications in repetitive-, disinhibited-, learning- and reinforced behavior. The present review summarizes available data of these parameter related to this behavior, i.e. locomotion, reward-related behavior, prepulse inhibition, memory and neurochemistry.