Behaviorally specific limb use deficits following globus pallidus lesions in rats

The effects of bilateral globus pallidus lesions were observed in rats trained to perform a somatosensory/proprioceptive guided forelimb reaching task. Postlesion reaching became very inaccurate, characterized by gross abnormalities in limb and body posture. Postural abnormalities and paw use deficits were not observed in other situations. These results suggest that pallidal damage does not result in a simple motor deficit but interferes with motor performance when movements depend upon somesthetic and proprioceptive feedback.