Molecular mechanisms underlying striatal synaptic plasticity : relevance chronic alcohol consumption and seeking

• The striatum, the input structure of the basal ganglia, is a major site learning and memory for goal-directed actions and habit formation. iny projection neurons of the striatum integrate cortical, thalamic, d nigral inputs to learn associations, with cortico-striatal synaptic asticity as a learning mechanism. Signaling molecules implicated in naptic plasticity are altered in alcohol withdrawal, which may ntribute to overly strong learning and increased alcohol seeking and nsumption. To understand how interactions among signaling molecules oduce synaptic plasticity, we implemented a mechanistic model of gnaling pathways activated by dopamine D1 receptors, acetylcholine ceptors, and glutamate. We use our novel, computationally efficient mulator, NeuroRD, to simulate stochastic interactions both within and tween dendritic spines. Dopamine release during theta burst and 20-Hz imulation was extrapolated from fast-scan cyclic voltammetry data llected in mouse striatal slices. Our results show that the combined tivity of several key plasticity molecules correctly predicts the currence of either LTP, LTD, or no plasticity for numerous perimental protocols. To investigate spatial interactions, we imulate two spines, either adjacent or separated on a 20-mu m ndritic segment. Our results show that molecules underlying LTP hibit spatial specificity, whereas 2-arachidonoylglycerol exhibits a atially diffuse elevation. We also implement changes in NMDA ceptors, adenylyl cyclase, and G protein signaling that have been asured following chronic alcohol treatment. Simulations under these nditions suggest that the molecular changes can predict changes in naptic plasticity, thereby accounting for some aspects of alcohol use sorder.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

basal ganglia

computational model

long-term depression

long-term potentiation

signaling pathways

striatum

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)