An analysis of the behavioral effects of stimulation of the dopamine D2 receptors at the level of the ventral tegmental area in the rat brain

: It was shown that intracerebral injections of D2 dopamine receptor agonist quinpirol after systemic administration of D2 antagonist sulpiride inhibited both locomotor and food-procuring activity in rats. It was concluded that this effect is connected with involvement of the negative feedback mechanisms of dopaminergic neurons. The involvement of this mechanism into the regulation of the motivated behavior seems to require the definite level of dopaminergic structures.