Fentanyl enhances direct pathway medium spiny neurons activity in the striatum. During withdrawal from the opioid, inhibitory signals from direct pathway medium spiny neurons to dopaminergic neurons become enhanced. The enhanced suppression of dopaminergic neurons contributes to the negative emotions associated with fentanyl withdrawal. Inhibiting the direct pathway medium spiny neurons can reduce withdrawal symptoms and associated anxiety behaviors.
The connection between dopamine and counterfactual information, or notions of relief and regret, is altered in those with alcohol use disorder.
Researchers have identified how two different populations of neurons in the striatum are affected differently in Huntington's disease. The neurodegeneration of one of these populations leads to motor defects while damage to the other population located in striosomes may account for mood disorders associated with the early stages of Huntington's.
Destruction or removal of the cilia in the striatum impairs time perception and judgment, new research suggests. The findings could have implications for a range of diseases including schizophrenia, ASD, and Parkinson's.
Dopamine neurons connect subregions of the striatum that contribute to habit formation. The findings shed new light on how habits are formed, and how they can be broken.
Study reveals how motor memories are formed and how they remain persistent. The findings may help illuminate the root cause of motor disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers characterize a novel neural population within the striatum that appears to be responsible for the interplay between acetylcholine and GABA.
Neuroimaging study reveals those with psychopathy have a 10% larger striatum than non-psychopaths. Researchers say the increased size of the striatum, a brain area associated with cognitive and social functions, may account for a higher likelihood of impulsive behaviors and increased need for stimulation often associated with psychopathy. Additionally, researchers suggest there may be an element of heredity in the neural anatomy, adding support to the neurodevelopmental perspective of psychopathy.
Striosomes, a collection of neurons in the brain's striatum, help with decision-making that requires the evaluation of risks and benefits.
Exposing mice with the autism-associated SHANK3 genetic mutation to new environments can trigger autism-like behaviors, including repetitive movements and problems with social engagement. However, adding familiar objects to the novel environment during the first exposure can reduce the behavioral and brain signaling deficits.
Study provides insight into the behavioral function of dopamine signaling in the striatum.
A new study identifies a neural network that appears to be responsible for the development of tics and tic disorders. Researchers say deep brain stimulation applied to this network helps alleviate symptoms of tics.