JNP Micro Podcasts: Striatopallidal synaptic currents

In this episode, coauthor James A. Jones dives into the study titled "Comparison of unitary synaptic currents generated by indirect and direct pathway neurons of the mouse striatum." This research is notable as it’s the first to examine synaptic currents from single identified direct and indirect pathway striatal neurons targeting individual globus pallidus externus (GPe) neurons.

Jones highlights how each GPe neuron integrates inputs from both pathways, revealing that while most striatal neurons generate relatively small synaptic currents, a subset is powerful enough to make a significant impact on GPe activity. This finding underscores the collective influence of striatal neurons and raises intriguing questions about the dynamics of synaptic transmission in basal ganglia circuits. The implications for understanding movement and behavioral control are profound, making this study a crucial addition to the field.

 

Article Citation: 

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Comparison of unitary synaptic currents generated by indirect and direct pathway neurons of the mouse striatum

James A. Jones, Jacob Peña, Rostislav I. Likhotvorik, Brandon I. Garcia-Castañeda, and Charles J. Wilson

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 131:5, 914-936