Endocannabinoids and Dopamine Balance Basal Ganglia Output

The entopeduncular nucleus is one of the basal ganglia's output nuclei, thereby controlling ganglia information processing. Entopeduncular neurons integrate GABAergic inputs from Striatum and globus pallidus, together with glutamatergic subthalamic nucleus. We show that endocannabinoids dopamine interact to modulate long-term plasticity all these primary afferents Our results suggest interplay between determines balance direct pathway (striatum) indirect (globus pallidus) in output. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, despite lack axon collaterals, transferred neighboring via endocannabinoid diffusion. These transform prevailing view as a feedforward “relay” an intricate control unit, which may play vital role process action selection.