Neuromodulatory control of striatal plasticity and behavior

Excitatory synapses onto projection neurons in the striatum, the input nucleus of the basal ganglia, play a key role in regulating basal ganglia circuit function and are a major site of long-term synaptic plasticity. Here, we review the mechanisms and regulation of both long-term potentiation and long-term depression at these synapses. In particular, we highlight the role that neuromodulators play in determining the strength and direction of plasticity, which ultimately shapes the balance of activity in basal ganglia circuits and regulates motor behavior.

Research highlights► Striatal synaptic plasticity regulates activity in basal ganglia circuits. ► Neuromodulators control the induction of striatal plasticity. ► Regulation of striatal plasticity by neuromodulators is an important mechanism for adaptive motor control.