Figure 1.

Characteristics of striatal neurons. A, Whole-cell recordings indicate that the neurons have a resting membrane potential of about −80 mV and emit scattered spikes at about −40 mV. The input /output curve is indicative of inward rectification. B, Intracellular fills with AlexaFluor 488 confirm that the recorded cells are medium spiny neurons (scale bar, 30 μm). C, EPSPs elicited by cortical stimulation are partially blocked by CNQX; subsequent perfusion of APV eliminates nearly all of the remaining response.