Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Harnett MT
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2702773 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Harnett Mark T MT Bernier Brian E BE Ahn Kee-Chan KC Morikawa Hitoshi H
Neuron 20090601 6
Bursts of spikes triggered by sensory stimuli in midbrain dopamine neurons evoke phasic release of dopamine in target brain areas, driving reward-based reinforcement learning and goal-directed behavior. NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in the generation of these bursts. Here we report LTP of NMDAR-mediated excitatory transmission onto dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. Induction of LTP requires burst-evoked Ca2+ signals amplified by preceding metabotropic neurot ...[more]