Distinct Connectivity and Functionality of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1a1-Positive Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Neurons in Motor Learning.

ABSTRACT: Parkinson's disease causes the most profound loss of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1-positive (ALDH1A1⁺) nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron (nDAN) subpopulation. The connectivity and functionality of ALDH1A1⁺ nDANs, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we show in rodent brains that ALDH1A1⁺ nDANs project predominantly to the rostral dorsal striatum, from which they also receive most monosynaptic inputs, indicating extensive reciprocal innervations with the striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs). Functionally, genetic ablation of ALDH1A1⁺ nDANs causes severe impairments in motor skill learning, along with a reduction in high-speed walking. While dopamine replacement therapy accelerated walking speed, it failed to improve motor skill learning i

SUBMITTER: Wu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6741442 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature