A model of short and long range selective processing in neostriatum
We present a simple point neuron model of neostriatum based on two of its major neural populations (medium spiny projection neurons and fast spiking interneurons). The model's biological features include gap junctions between interneurons, lateral connectivity between projection neurons and GABAergic innervation of the latter by the interneurons. The model predicts independent but cooperative selective function over short and long range spatial scales mediated by the projection and interneuron populations respectively. It also predicts a role for the pallido-striatal pathway as an automatic gain control, dopaminergic control of selectivity, and can account for the relative paucity of the interneurons.
neostriatum projection neuron interneuron gap junction basal ganglia