Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Sep 2000
Functional role of the limbic system and basal ganglia in motivated behaviors.
It has been suggested that the cortico- and limbic-striatal systems are important in various motor functions such as motivated behaviors. In this paper we review our previous studies to investigate neuronal mechanisms of feeding behaviors. We recorded neuronal activity from the amygdala, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra during feeding behavior in monkeys, and compared neuronal responses recorded from these brain areas. ⋯ These neurons were located mainly in the rostral part of the nucleus. More than one-third of the recorded neurons responded during feeding and/or drinking acts and intra- and perioral sensory stimuli, and were located mainly in the caudomedial part of the nucleus. Based upon these responses and known anatomical evidence, various information including that from the amygdala and prefrontal cortex is integrated in the basal ganglia, and converted to coordinated motivated behaviors such as feeding behavior.