Session 1G: Cell-Specific Pallidal Control of Cortical Striatal Input
Session Number
Session 1G: 1st Presentation
Advisor(s)
Dr. Harry Xenias, Northwestern University
Location
Room A115
Start Date
26-4-2018 9:40 AM
End Date
26-4-2018 10:25 AM
Abstract
The basal ganglia is a collection of brain nuclei involved in both the planning and execution of sequenced movements as well as learning successful goal-directed behaviors, but it’s still poorly understood. We researched the inhibitory pathway between the external globus pallidus (GPe) and the dorsal striatum (dStr). Over 95% of the cells composing the striatum are two classes of spiny projection neurons (SPNs): direct pathway SPNs (dSPNS) or indirect pathway SPNs (iSPNS), which respectively facilitate or inhibit movement. We used both naïve and 6-OHDA lesioned Npas1-Cre transgenic mice to compare a healthy brain to the Parkinson’s model. We used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to inject the SPNs from the dStr with fluorescent dye while electrophysiologically recording the inputs of the GPe to the SPNs. This allowed us to study the synaptic contacts of the inputs by using a confocal microscope. We found that in the naïve model, the GPe input to iSPNs was stronger than the GPe inputs to dSPNs. However, in the lesioned model, the GPe input to the iSPNs and the dSPNs was relatively similar. This work gives us a greater understanding of the pallidostriatal pathway which will help us further comprehend the pathogenesis of Parkinson ’s Disease.
Session 1G: Cell-Specific Pallidal Control of Cortical Striatal Input
Room A115
The basal ganglia is a collection of brain nuclei involved in both the planning and execution of sequenced movements as well as learning successful goal-directed behaviors, but it’s still poorly understood. We researched the inhibitory pathway between the external globus pallidus (GPe) and the dorsal striatum (dStr). Over 95% of the cells composing the striatum are two classes of spiny projection neurons (SPNs): direct pathway SPNs (dSPNS) or indirect pathway SPNs (iSPNS), which respectively facilitate or inhibit movement. We used both naïve and 6-OHDA lesioned Npas1-Cre transgenic mice to compare a healthy brain to the Parkinson’s model. We used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to inject the SPNs from the dStr with fluorescent dye while electrophysiologically recording the inputs of the GPe to the SPNs. This allowed us to study the synaptic contacts of the inputs by using a confocal microscope. We found that in the naïve model, the GPe input to iSPNs was stronger than the GPe inputs to dSPNs. However, in the lesioned model, the GPe input to the iSPNs and the dSPNs was relatively similar. This work gives us a greater understanding of the pallidostriatal pathway which will help us further comprehend the pathogenesis of Parkinson ’s Disease.