Controlled cell targeting system to study the brain neural circuitry

Neurosci Res. 2007 Jun;58(2):118-23. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2007.01.012. Epub 2007 Jan 26.

Abstract

Immunotoxin cell targeting is a transgenic technology to eliminate specific cell types from a complex neural circuitry by using the cytotoxic activity of recombinant immunotoxins. This technology provides a useful approach for understanding the neural mechanism underlying a variety of brain functions. The present update article describes recent applications of the technology for the study of basal ganglia circuitry that mediates motor behavior related to dopamine transmission. In particular, the article proposes a possible model in which dopamine coordinates motor behavior through different neural pathways of basal ganglia circuitry.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basal Ganglia / anatomy & histology*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotoxins / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Models, Neurological
  • Nerve Net / drug effects
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Neurons / classification
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Immunotoxins
  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Dopamine