We implemented a mechanistic model of signaling pathways activated by dopamine D1 receptors, acetylcholine receptors, and glutamate. We use our novel, computationally efficient simulator, NeuroRD, to simulate stochastic interactions both within and between dendritic spines. Results show that the combined activity of several key plasticity molecules correctly predicts the occurrence of either LTP, LTD or no plasticity for numerous experimental protocols.
Model Type: Molecular Network; Synapse
Region(s) or Organism(s): Basal ganglia; Striatum
Cell Type(s): Neostriatum medium spiny direct pathway GABA cell
Transmitters: Acetylcholine; Dopamine; Endocannabinoid; Glutamate
Model Concept(s): G-protein coupled; Long-term Synaptic Plasticity; Signaling pathways; Alcohol Use Disorder
Simulation Environment: NeuroRD
Implementer(s): Blackwell, Avrama [avrama at gmu.edu]
References:
Blackwell KT et al. (2019). Molecular mechanisms underlying striatal synaptic plasticity: relevance to chronic alcohol consumption and seeking. The European journal of neuroscience. 49 [PubMed]