RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 D<sub>2</sub> Dopamine Receptors in Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons Reduce L-Type Ca<sup>2+</sup> Currents and Excitability via a Novel PLCβ1–IP<sub>3</sub>–Calcineurin-Signaling Cascade
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 8987
OP 8995
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.20-24-08987.2000
VO 20
IS 24
A1 Hernández-López, Salvador
A1 Tkatch, Tatiana
A1 Perez-Garci, Enrique
A1 Galarraga, Elvira
A1 Bargas, José
A1 Hamm, Heidi
A1 Surmeier, D. James
YR 2000
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/20/24/8987.abstract
AB In spite of the recognition that striatal D2 receptors are critical determinants in a variety of psychomotor disorders, the cellular mechanisms by which these receptors shape neuronal activity have remained a mystery. The studies presented here reveal that D2 receptor stimulation in enkephalin-expressing medium spiny neurons suppresses transmembrane Ca2+ currents through L-type Ca2+ channels, resulting in diminished excitability. This modulation is mediated by Gβγ activation of phospholipase C, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores, and activation of the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. In addition to providing a unifying mechanism to explain the apparently divergent effects of D2 receptors in striatal medium spiny neurons, this novel signaling linkage provides a foundation for understanding how this pivotal receptor shapes striatal excitability and gene expression.