The striatal cholinergic system in L-dopa-induced dyskinesias
Abstract
Cholinergic signaling plays a key role in regulating striatal function. The principal source of acetylcholine in the striatum is the cholinergic interneurons which, although low in number, densely arborize to modulate striatal neurotransmission. This modulation occurs via strategically positioned nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors that influence striatal dopamine, GABA and other neurotransmitter release. Cholinergic interneurons integrate multiple striatal synaptic inputs and outputs to regulate motor activity under normal physiological conditions. Consequently, an imbalance between these systems is associated with basal ganglia disorders. Here, we provide an overview of how striatal cholinergic interneurons modulate striatal activity under normal and pathological conditions. Numerous studies show that nigrostriatal damage such as that occurs with Parkinson's disease affects cholinergic receptor-mediated striatal activity. This altered cholinergic signaling is an important contributor to Parkinson's disease as well as to the dyskinesias that develop with L-dopa therapy, the gold standard for treatment. Indeed, multiple preclinical studies show that cholinergic receptor drugs may be beneficial for the treatment of ...Continue Reading
References
Blockade of M2-like muscarinic receptors enhances long-term potentiation at corticostriatal synapses
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Basal Forebrain- Circuits
Basal forebrain is a region in the brain important for production of acetylcholine and is the major cholinergic output of the CNS. Discover the latest research on circuits in the basal forebrain here.
Basal ganglia in Parkinson's disease (MDS)
The basal ganglia is comprised of the neostriatum, the external and internal pallidal segments, the subthalamic nucleus, the substantia nigra pars reticulata, and the pars compacta of the substantia nigra. The basal ganglia circuitry is responsible for the correct execution of voluntary movements and is implicated in Parkinson's disease. Here is the latest research investigating the basal ganglia in Parkinson's disease.
Basal Ganglia
Basal Ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei in the brain associated with control of voluntary motor movements, procedural and habit learning, emotion, and cognition. Here is the latest research.