Exploring the role of striatal D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons in action selection using a virtual robotic framework.

ABSTRACT: The basal ganglia have been hypothesized to be involved in action selection, i.e. resolving competition between simultaneously activated motor programs. It has been shown that the direct pathway facilitates action execution whereas the indirect pathway inhibits it. However, as the pathways are both active during an action, it remains unclear whether their role is co-operative or competitive. In order to investigate this issue, we developed a striatal model consisting of D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and interfaced it to a simulated robot moving in an environment. We demonstrate that this model is able to reproduce key behavioral features of several experiments involving optogenetic manipulation of the striatum, such as freezing and ambulation. We then investigate the interaction of

SUBMITTER: Bahuguna J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6585768 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature