Exploration of the lamprey pallidal neurons – a combined computational and experimental study

The cortex-basal ganglia-thalamic loops are critical for the selection and initiation of motor actions[1]. The output stage of the basal ganglia, Globus Pallidus interna (GPi) and Substantia Nigra reticulata (SNr) in primates, plays an important role by providing tonic inhibition to motor centers in the brain stem and thalamus. GPi/SNr are controlled by input from the striatum, the input stage of the basal ganglia and also by other basal ganglia nuclei, Globus Pallidus externa (GPe) and Subthalamic nucleus (STN). In the present combined experimental and computational study, we investigate the membrane properties and the synaptic control of the neurons in the lamprey basal ganglia output stages. We have combined electrophysiological and immunohistochemical studies to investigate morphology and physiology properties. Using patch clamp techniques, we have recorded spontaneous activity and membrane properties [unpublished data].