Dictionary of Biological Psychology
nigrostriatal dopamine system
The nigrostriatal dopamine system is composed of relatively few neurons (about 2000 per HEMISPHERE in the rat brain) having their SOMA are in the SUBSTANTIA NIGRA pars compacta and axons (see AXON) travelling in the medial forebrain bundle. The terminals are principally in the CAUDATE NUCLEUS and PUTAMEN, where they release DOPAMINE (see Smith & Bolam for review of nigrostriatal system anatomy and connections). Degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway is the principal pathological feature of PARKINSON’S DISEASE.
It has also been associated with MOTOR PROGRAMMING, the control of REACTION TIMES, MOTIVATION, and the formation of HABITS and stereotyped behaviour.
See also: mesolimbic dopamine system; mesolimbicocortical system; tubero-infundibular dopamine system
Reference
Smith A.D. & Bolam J.P. (1990) The neural network of the basal ganglia as revealed by the study of synaptic connections of identified neurons. Trends in Neurosciences 13: 259–265.
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