The possible role of the nucleus accumbens (ACB) and, in some experiments, the septum mediale (SM) in mediating alterations in locomotor activity, produced by various opioids, was evaluated in the rat, the drug being injected either into the left central part of the ACB or into the left SM. Morphine, predominantly acting at the mu-type receptors, given in larger doses (13 or 40 nmol into the ACB) produced depression of locomotor activity and catalepsy, whereas 2.5 nmol were ineffective. Co-administration of naloxone into the ACB suppressed the effects of morphine. D-ala2, D-leu5-enkephalin (DADL), a preferential delta-type receptor agonist, produced a biphasic effect on locomotor activity, namely an inhibition of it and a catalepsy, followed by a locomotor activation. This effect was observed after 4 or 13 nmol; 1 nmol produced a delayed locomotor activation without any previous inhibition, whereas 0.4 or 0.1 nmol were ineffective. Equimolar doses of naloxone, when co-administered with DADL, only partially antagonized these effects of DADL. In contrast, co-administration of a small dose of DADL and an excess dose of naloxone into the ACB produced an immediate increase in locomotor activity. Injections of a predominant kappa type receptor agonist, MR 2033-Cl, were ineffective. Injection of DADL, either alone or combined with naloxone into the SM (1 nmol) produced an immediate stimulation of locomotor activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)