Electrophysiological evidence for a somatotopic sensory projection to the striatum of the rat

The somatosensory projection to the striatum of the rat was investigated by electrophysiological mapping. Fifty-five units were encountered that responded to specific forms of stimulation delivered to particular parts of the body. Units that responded to stimuli delivered to the hindlimb, scrotum and tail were found in the most caudal regions of the striatum while those that responded to stimulation of the forelimb, head and neck were found in the anterior regions of the striatum. The results strongly suggest that there is, in the striatum of the rat, a sensory map of the body that is organized on topographical principles.