Dopamine-nociceptin/orphanin FQ interactions in the substantia nigra reticulata of hemiparkinsonian rats: Involvement of D2/D3 receptors and impact on nigro-thalamic neurons and motor activity

► The NOP receptor antagonist Compound 24 attenuates parkinsonism in 6-OHDA rats. ► Compound 24 affects motor behavior acting on nigral NOP receptor. ► Motor effects are consistent with a dual modulation of nigro-thalamic neurons. ► Nigral D2/D3 receptors regulate the responsiveness of nigro-thalamic neurons to Compound 24.