Striatal neuron

Striatal neurons are the principal nerve cells found within the striatum, the largest component of the basal ganglia system in the brain [1]. Approximately 95% of these cells are GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs), which serve as the primary output neurons, integrating excitatory inputs from the cerebral cortex and thalamus with modulatory dopaminergic inputs from the substantia nigra [1, 3]. These neurons are essential for the regulation of voluntary movement, reward-related behavior, and cognitive processes such as habit formation [4]. In Huntington's disease, there is a progressive and selective degeneration of MSNs, leading to motor chorea and cognitive decline [2]. While striatal neurons are the anatomical site for the action of numerous antipsychotic and antiparkinsonian drugs, the term refers to a heterogeneous cell population rather than a single molecular target [1, 3].

Other names

Medium spiny neuronMSNSpiny projection neuronSPNStriatal cell

Drugs typically target specific receptors located on striatal neurons, such as dopamine receptors (D1, D2) or adenosine receptors (A2A), to modulate neuronal excitability and basal ganglia output [1, 3].