The distribution of the globus pallidus neurons with input from various cortical areas in the monkeys

Abstract

Single neuron activities of the globus pallidus were recorded in awake monkeys. Electrical stimulation of various cortical areas (the prefrontal, premotor, supplementary motor and arcuate premotor areas, and the motor cortex) inhibited spontaneous discharge of pallidal neurons. This inhibitory response was considered to be mediated through the striatum. Considerable number of pallidal neurons responded to the stimulation of more than one cortical areas. However, the neurons receiving inputs from the motor cortex and/or arcuate premotor area and those receiving inputs from the prefrontal, premotor and/or supplementary motor areas were segregated. The former neurons were located ventrolaterally in the caudal part of the globus pallidus, while the latter ones were located dorsomedially in the rostral part of the globus pallidus.