Several studies have tried to clarify the role of different dopamine (DA) receptors in the control of membrane excitability of striatal neurons. Activation of DA receptors influences both synaptic and intrinsic membrane properties of striatal neurons. More recently it has been reported that endogenous DA plays an important role in the expression of striatal synaptic plasticity. In this review we will try to summarize and discuss the available data concerning the possible impact of the functional role of D1 and D2 receptor activation on the short- and long-term modulation of the excitatory glutamatergic corticostriatal transmission. Moreover, we will also describe the function of the striatum in the integration of glutamatergic and DAergic inputs to produce long-term changes of synaptic efficacy: long-term depression (LTD) and long-term potentiation (LTP).