Abstract
In spite of the recognition that striatal D2 receptors are critical determinants in a variety of psychomotor disorders, the cellular mechanisms by which these receptors shape neuronal activity have remained a mystery. The studies presented here reveal that D2 receptor stimulation in enkephalin-expressing medium spiny neurons suppresses transmembrane Ca2+ currents through L-type Ca2+ channels, resulting in diminished excitabilit. This modulation is mediated by Gβγ activation of phospholipase C, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores, and activation of the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. In addition to providing a unifying mechanism to explain the apparently divergent effects of D2 receptors in striatal medium spiny neurons, this novel signaling linkage provides a foundation for understanding how this pivotal receptor shapes striatal excitability and gene expression.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 8987-8995 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Neuroscience |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 24 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 15 2000 |
Keywords
- Basal ganglia
- Calcium
- Dopamine
- Electrophysiology
- Ion channel
- Medium spiny neuron
- Neostriatum
- Neuromodulation
- Patch clamp
- Single-cell RT-PCR
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)