Synaptic integration mediated by striatal cholinergic interneurons in basal ganglia function

The physiological role of striatal cholinergic interneurons was investigate d with immunotoxin-mediated cell targeting (IMCT). Unilateral cholinergic c ell ablation caused an acute abnormal turning behavior. These mice showed g radual recovery but displayed abnormal turning by both excess stimulation a nd inhibition of dopamine actions. In the acute phase, basal ganglia functi on was shifted to a hyperactive state by stimulation and suppression of str iatonigral and striatopallidal neurons, respectively. D1 and D2 dopamine re ceptors were then down-regulated, relieving dopamine-predomimant synaptic p erturbation but leaving a defect in controlling dopamine responses. The ace tylcholine-dopamine interaction is concertedly and adaptively regulated for basal ganglia synaptic integration.