What are striatal neurons?
Striatal neurons are a type of neuron located in the striatum. (1)
What are types of striatal neurons?
* medium spiny neurons (MSNs) (1) – These are the primary type of neuron in the striatum, comprising about 95% of all striatal neurons. MSNs are GABAergic, meaning they produce and release the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. MSNs have two major subtypes: one that expresses D1 dopamine receptors and forms the direct pathway of the basal ganglia, and one that expresses D2 dopamine receptors and forms the indirect pathway. These two pathways have different effects on movement and are thought to work together to control voluntary behavior. (1)
* interneurons (1) – The remaining 5% of striatal neurons are a diverse group of interneurons, which have various functions in the local circuitry of the striatum. Some of these are also GABAergic, while others release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine or various peptides. (1)
Resources
1. ChatGPT 4, 6/3/23, “What are striatal neurons?”
