Electrophysiological characterization of the internal neuronal network of the External Globus Pallidum: brain region involved in decision making

• Grant number: 24/06625-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Karina Possa Abrahão
• Grantee: Gabriela de Oliveira Paskevicius
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/01686-0 - I cannot stop after the first ‘drink’! Alcohol effects on the inhibitory control brain systems, AP.JP

Abstract

The external Globus Pallidus (GPe) is a cerebral central region of the Base Nuclei, important for decision making. Despite recent scientific advances regarding the connections between the GPe and structures internal and/or external to the Base Nuclei, and the diversity of specific neuronal types: including prototypical and arkypallidal, little is known about how these neurons interact with each other, giving origin the GPe internal network. Studying these interactions from a network perspective can provide insights into the processing of neural signals in this region, which are related to typical and abnormal behaviors, such as substance use disorder and Parkinson's disease. This project aims to characterize functional properties of the GPe local neuronal network and the participation of different neuronal types in the network. By using an electrophysiological recording technique using multiple electrode arrays (MEA), it is expected to investigate levels based on local electrophysiological activity, infer the functional connection between neurons, and detect the influence of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses on network dynamics. Different neuronal landscapes will be specified using the opto-tagging technique, more specifically, two subtypes of neurons, prototypical and arkypallidal. through stereotaxic injection of the rhodopsin channel virus in transgenic animals with cre recombinase in PV neurons (marker of prototypical neurons) and Npas1 (marker of arkypallidal neurons). This distinction will allow us to study the contribution of each neuronal type to the dynamics and organization of the network. In summary, this study will offer a more in-depth and functional understanding of the GPe's internal neuronal network, elucidating how the spatiotemporal characteristics of neuronal dynamics relate to specific neuronal types. This makes it possible to understand how different neuronal subpopulations specific to GPe functions and could have important implications for research into neurological disorders and the development of more targeted treatments.