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Related Concept Videos

Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:23

Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

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Cholinergic neurotransmission involves the synthesis and the release of acetylcholine (ACh) in order to transmit nerve impulses across the synapse. The process begins with the synthesis of acetyl CoA, a precursor for ACh, from ATP, acetate, and coenzyme A in the mitochondria. Choline, another vital precursor, is transported inside the neuron through choline transporters, including high-affinity choline transporter CHT1, low-affinity choline transporter CTL1, and lower-affinity choline...
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The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
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Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade01:29

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The site of chemical communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber is called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The end of the motor neuron at the NMJ divides into a cluster of synaptic end bulbs. The cytoplasm of these bulbs consists of synaptic vesicles enclosing acetylcholine molecules, the principal neurotransmitter released at the NMJ. The region opposite the synaptic bulb that ends in the muscle fiber is called the motor end plate, which has acetylcholine receptors. Within the...
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Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

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Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by acetylcholine and nicotine. Upon activation, they cause a rapid increase in the permeability of cells to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, followed by depolarization and excitation. They are in the autonomic ganglia, skeletal neuromuscular junction, CNS, and adrenal medulla.
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Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic01:25

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The pharmacological actions of acetylcholine are elicited via its binding to two families of cholinergic receptors or cholinoceptors, namely, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Muscarinic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors and have five subtypes, M1–M5. All mAChR subtypes are activated by acetylcholine and blocked by the antagonist, atropine. 
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Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists, also known as anticholinesterases, exert their pharmacological effects by enhancing cholinergic transmission in various body parts, including the neuromuscular junction, autonomic cholinergic synapses, and the brain.
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Gap Junctions Between Striatal D1 Neurons and Cholinergic Interneurons.

Yuqi Ren1,2,3, Yang Liu4,5, Minmin Luo3,6,7

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|June 25, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Researchers discovered electrical coupling between D1 neurons and cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) in the striatum. This gap junction connection, alongside chemical synapses, helps maintain the tonic activity of ChIs, crucial for brain function.

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electrical synapsemedium spiny neuronmotor learningoptogeneticstonically active neuronswhole-cell patch

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Neurophysiology

Background:

  • The striatum is vital for behavior, with projection neurons and cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) forming key microcircuits.
  • Understanding interactions between D1-type projection neurons and ChIs is essential for elucidating striatal function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct interactions between D1-type projection neurons and ChIs in the striatum.
  • To determine the mechanisms underlying communication between these neuronal populations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized optogenetic tools combined with cell type-specific electrophysiological recordings.
  • Employed paired electrophysiological recordings and dye microinjections to confirm gap junction presence.

Main Results:

  • Identified direct electrical coupling (gap junctions) between D1 neurons and ChIs, in addition to chemical synapses.
  • Demonstrated that optogenetic manipulation of D1 neurons induced current exchange with ChIs, blocked by gap junction inhibitors.
  • Showed that D1 neuron activation enhances ChI activity via gap junctions.

Conclusions:

  • D1 neurons and ChIs communicate through both chemical synapses and electrical coupling (gap junctions).
  • This dual mode of communication contributes to the sustained, tonically active firing patterns of ChIs.
  • Reveals a novel mechanism for regulating striatal microcircuit activity and associated behaviors.