Previous Lab Meeting

DATE: Wed Feb 13, 2013

TIME: 10:30AM (sharp!)

PLACE: MP14-331

PRESENTER: Iman

Title: Subsystems of the rodent basal ganglia

Abstract: Classical models of the basal ganglia use two subsystems, i.e. the so called direct-indirect pathways) to interpret their function and dysfunction (Albin et al. 1989). Many aspects of this model have been changed during last 25 years. One major finding is that the direct and indirect pathways receive differential inputs from cortex and thalamus. Another major finding is that the striatum is composed of two compartments each receiving different cortical and thalamic inputs (Reiner et al. 2010). A third major finding is that the subthalamic nucleus, traditionally considered a link in the indirect pathway receives direct cortical and thalamic input (Nambu et al. 2002). Using these findings, we have developed a new model of the basal ganglia which uses five subsystems instead of two. I will present the main hypothesis and some of the results of simulations using this novel model.