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Striatal Local Circuitry: A New Framework for Lateral Inhibition.
Dennis A Burke1, Horacio G Rotstein2, Veronica A Alvarez3
1Laboratory on Neurobiology of Compulsive Behaviors, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
Neuron
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Lateral inhibition between striatal neurons is crucial for motor control. This perspective highlights its role in shaping neuronal output and integrating inputs for complex behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- The striatum is a key basal ganglia structure involved in motor control and learning.
- Understanding intrastriatal circuitry is essential for deciphering basal ganglia function.
- The interplay between direct and indirect pathways is critical for motor output.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the organization of intrastriatal circuitry.
- To review recent findings on striatal connectivity.
- To discuss the role of lateral inhibition in shaping striatal output and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Review of classic and recent anatomical studies.
- Analysis of functional findings related to striatal neuron activity.
- Synthesis of data to propose an updated model of lateral inhibition.
Main Results:
- Lateral inhibition between striatal projection cells plays an underappreciated role.
- This inhibition controls neuronal firing and shapes circuit output.
- Lateral inhibition contributes to functional processing units and input integration.
Conclusions:
- Lateral inhibition is a fundamental mechanism in the striatum.
- It is critical for filtering inputs and generating motor patterns.
- An updated model incorporating lateral inhibition provides a new framework for understanding striatal function.