The influence of stimulation of the hypothalamus and of the dorsomedial nucleus upon experimental bradykinesia and akinesia.

Abstract In an attempt to analyze mechanisms able to counteract bradykinesia and akinesia, alumina cream was injected into the caudate nucleus of cats, a procedure able to produce initially a marked slowing and eventually nearly complete cessation of spontaneous movements. In various stages following the alumina cream injection, the hypothalamus or the dorsomedial nucleus were stimulated through previously implanted electrodes. Such stimulations were able to increase the speed of the locomotor activity or to initiate locomotion in catatonic animals. Electrocoagulation around the foci of stimulation prevented such effects. Lesions of the dorsomedial nuclei, however, prevented the effect of hypothalamic stimulation only if relatively low voltages were used.