This study evaluates the modulation of striatum vulnerability to quinolinic acid (QA) by the nigrostriatal projection. Unilateral lesioning of the substantia nigra with 6-hydroxydopamine markedly reduced the volume of striatal necrosis observed 3 days after local injection of quinolinic acid (150 nmol). This result is consistent with the concept that the nigrostriatal pathway potentiates the vulnerability of striatum to excitotoxic damage.