Topic: spiny projection neurons

Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in the mouse striatum transform multimodal inputs from the cortex and thalamus into inhibitory outputs that regulate basal ganglia activity. SPNs are typically classified into major populations according to their output projection targets and their location within striatal anatomical and neurochemical domains. However, how the cellular and circuit diversity within these broad populations is established developmentally remains largely unknown. We have previously shown that SPNs derived from a distinct apical intermediate progenitor (aIP) pool are preferentially d

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established treatment for psychiatric disorders. Recent reports show that ECT improves motor deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD), while the mechanism of action remains unclear. To investigate the effects of ECT in PD, we produced partial dopaminergic depletion by unilateral striatal injection of 6-OHDA. After three weeks, behavioral testing was performed using the open field and corridor test. Animals with a lateralized phenotype were randomized into ECT or sham treatment. After a two-week treatment interval with daily ECT, behavioral testing was repe

Clinical and preclinical studies have shown that intensive exercise enhances BDNF production with neuroprotective action in health and disease conditions. Here we test the hypothesis that intensive exercise prevents corticostriatal alterations caused by α-syn protofibrils (PFFs) spreading through the nigrostriatal system in an early models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To test this hypothesis, rats received striatal bilateral injection with phosphate buffer or PFF to study the link between α-syn, synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDAR) retention, and BDNF signaling. Animals were divided into two groups

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a severe genetic neurodegenerative disorder. Cortex, striatum, and their connectivity are mostly affected by this pathology. Numerous studies have delved into the dysfunction of striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in HD; however, several questions still remain unanswered: are certain populations of striatal neurons spared by HD? Does the extent of impairment vary among the different cell types? What is the timing of onset for functional alterations? To answer these outstanding inquiries, we performed whole-cell patch clamp recordings on mouse brain slices of w

Growing evidence suggests that striatal-related behaviors and pathologies display clear sexual dimorphism. Previous research linking sex and striatal function has focused primarily on the effects of spiny projection neurons (SPNs). Sex hormones have been proposed to also modulate the activity of striatal interneurons, although this modulation has only been investigated at the behavioral level. In this study, we combined ex vivo pharmacological and optogenetic approaches with fiber photometry to examine how sex and the estrous cycle affect the FSIs’ integration of thalamic inputs and intrinsic