Pyramidal tract neurons drive amplification of excitatory inputs to striatum through cholinergic interneurons

Corticostriatal connectivity is central for many cognitive and motor processes, such as reinforcement or action initiation and invigoration. The cortical input to the striatum arises from two main cortical populations: intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons. We report a previously unknown excitatory circuit, supported by a polysynaptic motif from PT neurons to cholinergic interneurons (Chls) to glutamate-releasing axons, which runs in parallel to the canonical monosynaptic corticostriatal connection. This motif conveys a delayed second phase of excitation to striatal spiny projection neurons, through an acetylcholine-dependent glutamate release mechanism mediated by alpha 4-containing nicotinic receptors, resulting in biphasic corticostriatal signals. These biphasic signals are a hallmark of PT, but not IT, corticostriatal inputs, due to a stronger relative input from PT neurons to Chls. These results describe a previously unidentified circuit mechanism by which PT activity amplifies excitatory inputs to the striatum, with potential implications for behavior, plasticity, and learning.

Automated summary

This study reveals a previously unknown excitatory circuit in the brain, which conveys a delayed second phase of excitation to the striatum through a polysynaptic pathway involving PT neurons, cholinergic interneurons, and glutamate-releasing axons. This circuit mechanism may have important implications for behavior, plasticity, and learning.