Differential remodeling of subthalamic projections to basal ganglia output nuclei and locomotor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced hemiparkinsonian mice.

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) controls basal ganglia outputs via the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and the globus pallidus internus (GPi). However, the synaptic properties of these projections and their roles in motor control remain unclear. We show that the STN-SNr and STN-GPi projections differ markedly in magnitude and activity-dependent plasticity despite the existence of collateral STN neurons projecting to both the SNr and GPi.

Subthalamic neurons interact with nigral dopaminergic neurons to regulate movement in mice.

Aim: This study aims to address the role of the interaction between subthalamic (STN) neurons and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons in movement control.

Methods: Fiber photometry and optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques were utilized to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity, respectively. Locomotion in mice was recorded in an open field arena and on a head-fixed apparatus.