GABA receptors distribution in rat substantia nigra

The perikarya of the dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons contained in the substantia nigra were selectively destroyed by a proper, local injection of 6-hydroxydopamine or kainic acid, respectively. Both lesions resulted in a marked decrease of the nigral GABA-binding sites. The effect of 6-hydroxydopamine was restricted to the high affinity receptors, while kainic acid specifically decreased the low affinity ones.