Anatomically segregated basal ganglia pathways allow parallel behavioral modulation

Nat Neurosci. 2020 Nov;23(11):1388-1398. doi: 10.1038/s41593-020-00712-5. Epub 2020 Sep 28.

Abstract

In the basal ganglia (BG), anatomically segregated and topographically organized feedforward circuits are thought to modulate multiple behaviors in parallel. Although topographically arranged BG circuits have been described, the extent to which these relationships are maintained across the BG output nuclei and in downstream targets is unclear. Here, using focal trans-synaptic anterograde tracing, we show that the motor-action-related topographical organization of the striatum is preserved in all BG output nuclei. The topography is also maintained downstream of the BG and in multiple parallel closed loops that provide striatal input. Furthermore, focal activation of two distinct striatal regions induces either licking or turning, consistent with their respective anatomical targets of projection outside of the BG. Our results confirm the parallel model of BG function and suggest that the integration and competition of information relating to different behavior occur largely outside of the BG.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basal Ganglia / cytology*
  • Basal Ganglia / physiology*
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology
  • Female
  • Intralaminar Thalamic Nuclei / cytology
  • Intralaminar Thalamic Nuclei / physiology
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neural Pathways / cytology
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neuroanatomical Tract-Tracing Techniques
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Pars Reticulata / cytology
  • Pars Reticulata / physiology
  • Superior Colliculi / cytology
  • Superior Colliculi / physiology
  • Ventral Thalamic Nuclei / cytology
  • Ventral Thalamic Nuclei / physiology