Large neostriatal neurons in humans and their possible role in neuronal networks.

The Golgi method was used to study the structure of large neostriatal neurons in adult humans. Four types of large interneurons were found (spider cells, hairy cells, asymmetric fan cells, and giant stretched cells), along with two types of large projection cells (large reticular cells with spines and giant reticular cells with smooth dendrites). The structural features and possible mediators of these cells are discussed, along with their roles in neostriatal neuronal networks and in the development of pathological symptoms in chorea and progressive supranuclear paralysis.