Expression of the Striatal DARPP-32/ARPP-21 Phenotype in GABAergic Neurons Requires NeurotrophinsIn VivoandIn Vitro

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Abstract
The medium spiny neuron (MSN) is the major output neuron of the caudate nucleus and uses GABA as its primary neurotransmitter. A majority of MSNs coexpress DARPP-32 and ARPP-21, two dopamine and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoproteins, and most of the matrix neurons express calbindin. DARPP-32 is the most commonly used MSN marker, but previous attempts to express this genein vitrohave failed. In this study we found that DARPP-32 is expressed in in vivoandin vitro. In addition, we introduce a culture system in which highly differentiated MSNs may be generated, maintained, and studied.