View source for Substantia nigra

{{short description|Structure in the basal ganglia of the brain}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox brain
| Name            = Substantia nigra
| Latin           = substantia nigra
| Image           = Substantia nigra.gif
| Caption         = Substantia nigra highlighted in red.
| Image2          = Midbrainsection.svg
| Caption2        = Section through [[superior colliculus]] showing substantia nigra.
| Width           = 350
| IsPartOf        = [[Mesencephalon|Midbrain]], [[basal ganglia]]
| Acronym         = SN
| Components      =
| Artery          =
| Vein            =
}}

The '''substantia nigra''' ('''SN''') is a [[basal ganglia]] structure located in the [[midbrain]] that plays an important role in [[reward system|reward]] and [[Motor system|movement]]. ''Substantia nigra'' is [[Latin]] for "black substance", reflecting the fact that parts of the substantia nigra appear darker than neighboring areas due to high levels of [[neuromelanin]] in [[dopaminergic]] [[neuron]]s.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rabey JM, Hefti F | title = Neuromelanin synthesis in rat and human substantia nigra | journal = Journal of Neural Transmission. Parkinson's Disease and Dementia Section | volume = 2 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–14 | year = 1990 | pmid = 2357268 | doi = 10.1007/BF02251241 | s2cid = 6769760 }}</ref> [[Parkinson's disease]] is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the  substantia nigra [[pars compacta]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kim SJ, Sung JY, Um JW, Hattori N, Mizuno Y, Tanaka K, Paik SR, Kim J, Chung KC | title = Parkin cleaves intracellular alpha-synuclein inclusions via the activation of calpain | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 278 | issue = 43 | pages = 41890–9 | date = October 2003 | pmid = 12917442 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M306017200 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Although the substantia nigra appears as a continuous band in brain sections, anatomical studies have found that it actually consists of two parts with very different connections and functions: the [[pars compacta]] (SNpc) and the [[pars reticulata]] (SNpr). The pars compacta serves mainly as a projection to the basal ganglia circuit, supplying the [[striatum]] with dopamine. The pars reticulata conveys signals from the [[basal ganglia]] to numerous other brain structures.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Bolam|first1=J. P.|title=Basal Ganglia: Internal Organization|date=2009-01-01|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080450469012948|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Neuroscience|pages=97–104|editor-last=Squire|editor-first=Larry R.|place=Oxford|publisher=Academic Press|language=en|doi=10.1016/b978-008045046-9.01294-8|isbn=978-0-08-045046-9|access-date=2020-09-07|last2=Brown|first2=M. T. C.|last3=Moss|first3=J.|last4=Magill|first4=P. J.|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

== Structure ==
[[File:Basal-ganglia-coronal-sections-large.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Coronal plane|Coronal]] slices of human brain showing the [[basal ganglia]], [[globus pallidus]]: external segment (GPe), [[subthalamic nucleus]] (STN), [[globus pallidus]]: internal segment (GPi), and substantia  nigra (SN, red). The right section is the deeper one, closer to the back of the head]]
[[File:Basal ganglia diagram.svg|thumb|220px|right|Diagram of the main components of the basal ganglia and their interconnections]]
[[File:Basal ganglia circuits.svg|thumb|320px|Anatomical overview of the main circuits of the basal ganglia, substantia nigra is shown in black. Picture shows 2 coronal slices that have been superimposed to include the involved [[basal ganglia]] structures. + and – signs at the point of the arrows indicate respectively whether the pathway is excitatory or inhibitory in effect. {{color|green|Green arrows}} refer to excitatory [[:en:Glutamic acid|glutamatergic]] pathways, {{color|red|red arrows}} refer to inhibitory [[:en:gamma-Aminobutyric acid|GABAergic]] pathways and {{color|turquoise|turquoise arrows}} refer to [[:en:dopamine|dopaminergic]] pathways that are excitatory on the direct pathway and inhibitory on the indirect pathway.]]

{{See also|Primate basal ganglia system}}
The substantia nigra, along with four other nuclei, is part of the [[basal ganglia]]. It is the largest [[nucleus (neuroanatomy)|nucleus]] in the midbrain, lying dorsal to the [[cerebral peduncles]]. Humans have two substantiae nigrae, one on each side of the midline.

The SN is divided into two parts: the [[pars reticulata]] (SNpr) and the [[pars compacta]] (SNpc), which lies medial to the pars reticulata. Sometimes, a third region, the pars lateralis, is mentioned, though it is usually classified as part of the pars reticulata. The (SNpr) and the internal [[globus pallidus]] (GPi) are separated by the [[internal capsule]].<ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-802206-1.00013-1 |chapter=Organization of the Globus Pallidus |title=Handbook of Basal Ganglia Structure and Function, Second Edition |volume=24 |pages=259–276 |series=Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience |year=2016 | vauthors = Kita H, Jaeger D |isbn=978-0-12-802206-1 }}</ref>

===Pars reticulata===
{{Main|Pars reticulata}}
The pars reticulata bears a strong structural and functional resemblance to the internal part of the globus pallidus. The two are sometimes considered parts of the same structure, separated by the white matter of the internal capsule. Like those of the globus pallidus, the neurons in pars reticulata are mainly [[Gamma-aminobutyric acid|GABAergic]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Correa |first1=M |last2=Mingote |first2=S |last3=Betz |first3=A |last4=Wisniecki |first4=A |last5=Salamone |first5=J.D |date=July 2003 |title=Substantia nigra pars reticulata GABA is involved in the regulation of operant lever pressing: pharmacological and microdialysis studies |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0306452203001179 |journal=Neuroscience |volume=119 |issue=3 |pages=759–766 |doi=10.1016/s0306-4522(03)00117-9 |pmid=12809696 |issn=0306-4522|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Zhou |first1=F.-M. |last2=Lee |first2=C.R. |date=December 2011 |title=Intrinsic and integrative properties of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons |journal=Neuroscience |volume=198 |pages=69–94 |doi=10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.07.061 |issn=0306-4522 |pmc=3221915 |pmid=21839148}}</ref>

====Afferent connections====
The main input to the SNpr derives from the [[striatum]]. It comes by two routes, known as the [[Direct pathway|direct]] and [[indirect pathway]]s. The direct pathway consists of axons from medium spiny cells in the striatum that project directly to pars reticulata. The indirect pathway consists of three links: a projection from striatal medium spiny cells to the external part of the [[globus pallidus]]; a [[GABAergic]] projection from the globus pallidus to the [[subthalamic nucleus]], and a [[glutamatergic]] projection from the subthalamic nucleus to the pars reticulata.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nauta HJ, Cole M | title = Efferent projections of the subthalamic nucleus: an autoradiographic study in monkey and cat | journal = The Journal of Comparative Neurology | volume = 180 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–16 | date = July 1978 | pmid = 418083 | doi = 10.1002/cne.901800102 | s2cid = 43046462 }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2012}} Thus, striatal activity via the direct pathway exerts an inhibitory effect on neurons in the (SNpr) but an excitatory effect via the indirect pathway. The direct and indirect pathways originate from different subsets of striatal medium spiny cells: They are tightly intermingled, but express different types of dopamine receptors, as well as showing other neurochemical differences.

====Efferent connections====
Significant projections occur to the thalamus (ventral lateral and ventral anterior nuclei), [[superior colliculus]], and other caudal nuclei from the pars reticulata (the nigrothalamic pathway),<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Carpenter MB, Nakano K, Kim R | title = Nigrothalamic projections in the monkey demonstrated by autoradiographic technics | journal = The Journal of Comparative Neurology | volume = 165 | issue = 4 | pages = 401–15 | date = February 1976 | pmid = 57125 | doi = 10.1002/cne.901650402 | s2cid = 11790266 }}</ref> which use GABA as their neurotransmitter. In addition, these neurons form up to five collaterals that branch within both the pars compacta and pars reticulata, likely modulating dopaminergic activity in the pars compacta.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Deniau JM, Kitai ST, Donoghue JP, Grofova I | title = Neuronal interactions in the substantia nigra pars reticulata through axon collaterals of the projection neurons. An electrophysiological and morphological study | journal = Experimental Brain Research | volume = 47 | issue = 1 | pages = 105–13 | year = 1982 | pmid = 6288427 | doi = 10.1007/BF00235891 | s2cid = 20289802 }}</ref>

== Function ==
The substantia nigra is an important player in brain function, in particular, in [[eye movement (sensory)|eye movement]], [[motor planning]], [[reward system|reward-seeking]], [[learning]], and [[addiction]]. Many of the substantia nigra's effects are mediated through the [[striatum]]. The nigral [[dopaminergic]] input to the striatum via the [[nigrostriatal pathway]] is intimately linked with the striatum's function.<ref name="striatum">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nicola SM, Surmeier J, Malenka RC | title = Dopaminergic modulation of neuronal excitability in the striatum and nucleus accumbens | journal = Annual Review of Neuroscience | volume = 23 | pages = 185–215 | year = 2000 | pmid = 10845063 | doi = 10.1146/annurev.neuro.23.1.185 | author-link2 = D. James Surmeier }}</ref> The co-dependence between the striatum and substantia nigra can be seen in this way: when the substantia nigra is electrically stimulated, no movement occurs; however, the symptoms of nigral degeneration due to Parkinson's is a poignant example of the substantia nigra's influence on movement. In addition to striatum-mediated functions, the substantia nigra also serves as a major source of [[GABAergic]] inhibition to various brain targets.

===Pars reticulata===
{{main|Pars reticulata#Function}}
The [[pars reticulata]] of the substantia nigra is an important processing center in the basal ganglia. The GABAergic neurons in the pars reticulata convey the final processed signals of the [[basal ganglia]] to the [[thalamus]] and [[superior colliculus]]. In addition, the pars reticulata also inhibits dopaminergic activity in the [[pars compacta]] via axon collaterals, although the functional organization of these connections remains unclear.

The GABAergic neurons of the pars reticulata spontaneously fire [[action potential]]s. In rats, the frequency of action potentials is roughly 25&nbsp;Hz.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gernert M, Fedrowitz M, Wlaz P, Löscher W | title = Subregional changes in discharge rate, pattern, and drug sensitivity of putative GABAergic nigral neurons in the kindling model of epilepsy | journal = The European Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 20 | issue = 9 | pages = 2377–86 | date = November 2004 | pmid = 15525279 | doi = 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03699.x | s2cid = 24485657 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The purpose of these spontaneous action potentials is to inhibit targets of the basal ganglia, and decreases in inhibition are associated with movement.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sato M, Hikosaka O | title = Role of primate substantia nigra pars reticulata in reward-oriented saccadic eye movement | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 22 | issue = 6 | pages = 2363–73 | date = March 2002 | pmid = 11896175 | pmc = 6758246 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.22-06-02363.2002 }}</ref> The subthalamic nucleus gives excitatory input that modulates the rate of firing of these spontaneous action potentials. However, lesion of the subthalamic nucleus leads to only a 20% decrease in pars reticulata firing rate, suggesting that the generation of action potentials in the pars reticulata is largely autonomous,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zahr NM, Martin LP, Waszczak BL | title = Subthalamic nucleus lesions alter basal and dopamine agonist stimulated electrophysiological output from the rat basal ganglia | journal = Synapse | volume = 54 | issue = 2 | pages = 119–28 | date = November 2004 | pmid = 15352137 | doi = 10.1002/syn.20064 | s2cid = 10239473 }}</ref> as exemplified by the pars reticulata's role in [[saccade|saccadic eye movement]]. A group of GABAergic neurons from the pars reticulata projects to the superior colliculus, exhibiting a high level of sustained inhibitory activity.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hikosaka O, Wurtz RH | title = Visual and oculomotor functions of monkey substantia nigra pars reticulata. III. Memory-contingent visual and saccade responses | journal = Journal of Neurophysiology | volume = 49 | issue = 5 | pages = 1268–84 | date = May 1983 | pmid = 6864250 | doi = 10.1152/jn.1983.49.5.1268 }}</ref> Projections from the [[caudate nucleus]] to the superior colliculus also modulate saccadic eye movement.
Altered patterns of pars reticulata firing such as single-spike or burst firing are found in [[Parkinson's disease]]<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Tseng KY, Riquelme LA, Belforte JE, Pazo JH, Murer MG | title = Substantia nigra pars reticulata units in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats: responses to striatal D2 dopamine receptor stimulation and subthalamic lesions | journal = The European Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 12 | issue = 1 | pages = 247–56 | date = January 2000 | pmid = 10651879 | doi = 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2000.00910.x | s2cid = 22886675 | hdl = 11336/39220 | hdl-access = free }}</ref> and [[epilepsy]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Deransart C, Hellwig B, Heupel-Reuter M, Léger JF, Heck D, Lücking CH | title = Single-unit analysis of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons in freely behaving rats with genetic absence epilepsy | journal = Epilepsia | volume = 44 | issue = 12 | pages = 1513–20 | date = December 2003 | pmid = 14636321 | doi = 10.1111/j.0013-9580.2003.26603.x | s2cid = 6661257 }}</ref>

===Pars compacta===
{{main|Pars compacta#Function}}
The most prominent function of the pars compacta is [[motor control]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hodge GK, Butcher LL | title = Pars compacta of the substantia nigra modulates motor activity but is not involved importantly in regulating food and water intake | journal = Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology | volume = 313 | issue = 1 | pages = 51–67 | date = August 1980 | pmid = 7207636 | doi = 10.1007/BF00505805 | s2cid = 24642979 }}</ref> though the substantia nigra's role in motor control is indirect; electrical stimulation of the substantia nigra does not result in movement, due to mediation of the striatum in the nigral influence of movement. The pars compacta sends excitatory input to the striatum via D1 pathway that excites and activates the striatum, resulting in the release of GABA onto the globus pallidus to inhibit its inhibitory effects on the thalamic nucleus. This causes the thalamocortical pathways to become excited and transmits motor neuron signals to the cerebral cortex to allow the initiation of movement, which is absent in Parkinson's disease. However, lack of pars compacta neurons has a large influence on movement, as evidenced by the symptoms of Parkinson's. The motor role of the pars compacta may involve fine motor control, as has been confirmed in animal models with lesions in that region.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Pioli EY, Meissner W, Sohr R, Gross CE, Bezard E, Bioulac BH | title = Differential behavioral effects of partial bilateral lesions of ventral tegmental area or substantia nigra pars compacta in rats | journal = Neuroscience | volume = 153 | issue = 4 | pages = 1213–24 | date = June 2008 | pmid = 18455318 | doi = 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.01.084 | s2cid = 11239586 }}</ref>

The pars compacta is heavily involved in learned responses to stimuli. In primates, dopaminergic neuron activity increases in the nigrostriatal pathway when a new stimulus is presented.<ref name="conditioning">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ljungberg T, Apicella P, Schultz W | title = Responses of monkey dopamine neurons during learning of behavioral reactions | journal = Journal of Neurophysiology | volume = 67 | issue = 1 | pages = 145–63 | date = January 1992 | pmid = 1552316 | doi = 10.1152/jn.1992.67.1.145 | s2cid = 18024404 }}</ref> Dopaminergic activity decreases with repeated stimulus presentation.<ref name="conditioning" /> However, behaviorally significant stimulus presentation (i.e. rewards) continues to activate dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.  Dopaminergic projections from the [[ventral tegmental area]]  (bottom part of the "midbrain" or mesencephalon) to the prefrontal cortex (mesocortical pathway) and to the nucleus accumbens (mesolimbic pathway – "meso" referring to "from the mesencephalon"... specifically the [[ventral tegmental area]]) are implicated in reward, pleasure, and addictive behavior.  The pars compacta is also important in spatial learning, the observations about one's environment and location in space. Lesions in the pars compacta lead to learning deficits in repeating identical movements,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Da Cunha C, Silva MH, Wietzikoski S, Wietzikoski EC, Ferro MM, Kouzmine I, Canteras NS | title = Place learning strategy of substantia nigra pars compacta-lesioned rats | journal = Behavioral Neuroscience | volume = 120 | issue = 6 | pages = 1279–84 | date = December 2006 | pmid = 17201473 | doi = 10.1037/0735-7044.120.6.1279 }}</ref> and some studies point to its involvement in a dorsal striatal-dependent, response-based memory system that functions relatively independent of the [[hippocampus]], which is traditionally believed to subserve spatial or [[episodic-like memory]] functions.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Da Cunha C, Wietzikoski S, Wietzikoski EC, Miyoshi E, Ferro MM, Anselmo-Franci JA, Canteras NS | title = Evidence for the substantia nigra pars compacta as an essential component of a memory system independent of the hippocampal memory system | journal = Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | volume = 79 | issue = 3 | pages = 236–42 | date = May 2003 | pmid = 12676522 | doi = 10.1016/S1074-7427(03)00008-X | s2cid = 12045200 }}</ref>

The pars compacta also plays a role in [[temporal processing]] and is activated during time reproduction. [[Lesion]]s in the pars compacta leads to temporal deficits.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Matell MS, Meck WH | title = Neuropsychological mechanisms of interval timing behavior | journal = BioEssays | volume = 22 | issue = 1 | pages = 94–103 | date = January 2000 | pmid = 10649295 | doi = 10.1002/(SICI)1521-1878(200001)22:1<94::AID-BIES14>3.0.CO;2-E }}</ref> As of late, the pars compacta has been suspected of regulating the sleep-wake cycle,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lima MM, Andersen ML, Reksidler AB, Vital MA, Tufik S | title = The role of the substantia nigra pars compacta in regulating sleep patterns in rats | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 2 | issue = 6 | article-number = e513 | date = June 2007 | pmid = 17551593 | pmc = 1876809 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0000513 | editor1-last = Brosnan | bibcode = 2007PLoSO...2..513L | editor1-first = Sarah | doi-access = free }} {{open access}}</ref> which is consistent with symptoms such as [[insomnia]] and [[REM sleep]] disturbances that are reported by patients with [[Parkinson's disease]]. Even so, partial dopamine deficits that do not affect motor control can lead to disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle, especially REM-like patterns of neural activity while awake, especially in the [[hippocampus]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dzirasa K, Ribeiro S, Costa R, Santos LM, Lin SC, Grosmark A, Sotnikova TD, Gainetdinov RR, Caron MG, Nicolelis MA | title = Dopaminergic control of sleep-wake states | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 26 | issue = 41 | pages = 10577–89 | date = October 2006 | pmid = 17035544 | pmc = 6674686 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1767-06.2006 }}</ref>

==Clinical significance==
The substantia nigra is critical in the development of many diseases and syndromes, including [[parkinsonism]] and [[Parkinson's disease]]. There exists a study showing that high-frequency stimulation delivery to the left substantia nigra can induce transient acute depression symptoms.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Bejjani|first1=Boulos-Paul|last2=Damier|first2=Philippe|last3=Arnulf|first3=Isabelle|last4=Thivard|first4=Lionel|last5=Bonnet|first5=Anne-Marie|last6=Dormont|first6=Didier|last7=Cornu|first7=Philippe|last8=Pidoux|first8=Bernard|last9=Samson|first9=Yves|last10=Agid|first10=Yves|date=1999-05-13|title=Transient Acute Depression Induced by High-Frequency Deep-Brain Stimulation|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|language=en|volume=340|issue=19|pages=1476–1480|doi=10.1056/NEJM199905133401905|pmid=10320386|issn=0028-4793|doi-access=free}}</ref>

===Parkinson's disease===
[[File:Substantia nigra with Lewy body pathology.svg|300px|right|thumb|Substantia nigra with loss of  cells and Lewy body pathology]]
{{Main|Parkinson's disease}}
Parkinson's disease is a [[neurodegenerative disease]] characterized, in part, by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc. The major symptoms of Parkinson's disease include [[tremor]], [[akinesia]], [[bradykinesia]], and stiffness.<ref name=Jankovic2008>{{cite journal | vauthors = Jankovic J | title = Parkinson's disease: clinical features and diagnosis | journal = Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry | volume = 79 | issue = 4 | pages = 368–76 | date = April 2008 | pmid = 18344392 | doi = 10.1136/jnnp.2007.131045 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Other symptoms include disturbances to posture, [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[sleep disorders|sleep abnormalities]], and [[Depression (mood)|depressed mood]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Adler CH | title = Nonmotor complications in Parkinson's disease | journal = Movement Disorders | volume = 20 | pages = S23-9 | year = 2005 | issue = Suppl 11 | pmid = 15822106 | doi = 10.1002/mds.20460 | s2cid = 19045599 }}</ref>

The cause of death of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc is unknown. However, some contributions to the unique susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta have been identified. For one, dopaminergic neurons show abnormalities in [[Electron transport chain#Complex I|mitochondrial complex 1]], causing aggregation of [[alpha-synuclein]]; this can result in abnormal protein handling and neuron death.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dawson TM, Dawson VL | title = Molecular pathways of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease | journal = Science | volume = 302 | issue = 5646 | pages = 819–22 | date = October 2003 | pmid = 14593166 | doi = 10.1126/science.1087753 | bibcode = 2003Sci...302..819D | s2cid = 35486083 | author-link1 = Ted M. Dawson }}</ref> Secondly, dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta contain less [[calbindin]] than other dopaminergic neurons.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Liang CL, Sinton CM, Sonsalla PK, German DC | title = Midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the mouse that contain calbindin-D28k exhibit reduced vulnerability to MPTP-induced neurodegeneration | journal = Neurodegeneration | volume = 5 | issue = 4 | pages = 313–8 | date = December 1996 | pmid = 9117542 | doi = 10.1006/neur.1996.0042 }}</ref> [[Calbindin]] is a protein involved in [[calcium]] ion transport within cells, and excess calcium in cells is toxic. The [[calbindin]] theory would explain the high cytotoxicity of Parkinson's in the substantia nigra compared to the ventral tegmental area. Regardless of the cause of neuronal death, the plasticity of the pars compacta is very robust; Parkinsonian symptoms do not generally appear until  at least 30% of pars compacta dopaminergic neurons have died.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Grosch J, Winkler J, Kohl Z| title = Early Degeneration of Both Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Axons – A Common Mechanism in Parkinson's Disease | journal = Front. Cell. Neurosci. | volume = 10 | year = 2016 | page = 293 | doi = 10.3389/fncel.2016.00293 | pmid = 28066188 | pmc = 5177648 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Most of this plasticity occurs at the neurochemical level; dopamine transport systems are slowed, allowing dopamine to linger for longer periods of time in the chemical synapses in the striatum.<ref name="interview">Interview. Yoland Smith, PhD{{vs|date=January 2014}}</ref>

Menke, Jbabdi, Miller, Matthews and Zari (2010) used diffusion tensor imaging, as well as T1 mapping to assess volumetric differences in the SNpc and SNpr, in participants with Parkinson's compared to healthy individuals. These researchers found that participants with Parkinson's consistently had a smaller substantia nigra, specifically in the SNpr. Because the SNpr is connected to the posterior thalamus, ventral thalamus and specifically, the motor cortex, and because participants with Parkinson's disease report having a smaller SNprs (Menke, Jbabdi, Miller, Matthews and Zari, 2010), the small volume of this region may be responsible for motor impairments found in Parkinson's disease patients. This small volume may be responsible for weaker and/or less controlled motor movements, which may result in the tremors often experienced by those with Parkinson's.<ref name="Menke_2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Menke RA, Jbabdi S, Miller KL, Matthews PM, Zarei M | title = Connectivity-based segmentation of the substantia nigra in human and its implications in Parkinson's disease | journal = NeuroImage | volume = 52 | issue = 4 | pages = 1175–80 | date = October 2010 | pmid = 20677376 | doi = 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.05.086 | s2cid = 19871414 }}</ref>

[[Oxidative stress]] and oxidative damage in the SNpc are likely key drivers in the etiology of [[Parkinson's disease]] as individuals age.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Trist BG, Hare DJ, Double KL | date = Dec 2019 | title = Oxidative stress in the aging substantia nigra and the etiology of Parkinson's disease | url = | journal = Aging Cell | volume = 18 | issue = 6| article-number = e13031 | doi = 10.1111/acel.13031 | pmid = 31432604 | pmc = 6826160 }}</ref>  [[DNA damage (naturally occurring)|DNA damages]] caused by oxidative stress can be [[DNA repair|repaired]] by processes modulated by [[alpha-synuclein]].<ref name = Schaser2019>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schaser AJ, Osterberg VR, Dent SE, Stackhouse TL, Wakeham CM, Boutros SW, Weston LJ, Owen N, Weissman TA, Luna E, Raber J, Luk KC, McCullough AK, Woltjer RL, Unni VK | date = Jul 2019 | title = Alpha-synuclein is a DNA binding protein that modulates DNA repair with implications for Lewy body disorders | journal = Sci Rep. | volume = 9 | issue = 1| page = 10919 | doi = 10.1038/s41598-019-47227-z | pmid = 31358782 | pmc = 6662836 }}</ref>  Alpha synuclein is expressed in the substantia nigra, but its [[DNA repair]] function appears to be compromised in [[Lewy body]] inclusion bearing [[neuron]]s.<ref name = Schaser2019/>  This loss may trigger cell death.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Berg |first1=Stacie Z. |last2=Berg |first2=Jonathan |date=2023-09-29 |title=Melanin: a unifying theory of disease as exemplified by Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Lewy body dementia |journal=Frontiers in Immunology |language=English |volume=14 |doi=10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228530 |doi-access=free |issn=1664-3224 |pmc=10570809 |pmid=37841274 |article-number=1228530}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gordon |first1=Richard |last2=Albornoz |first2=Eduardo A. |last3=Christie |first3=Daniel C. |last4=Langley |first4=Monica R. |last5=Kumar |first5=Vinod |last6=Mantovani |first6=Susanna |last7=Robertson |first7=Avril A. B. |last8=Butler |first8=Mark S. |last9=Rowe |first9=Dominic B. |last10=O'Neill |first10=Luke A. |last11=Kanthasamy |first11=Anumantha G. |last12=Schroder |first12=Kate |last13=Cooper |first13=Matthew A. |last14=Woodruff |first14=Trent M. |date=2018-10-31 |title=Inflammasome inhibition prevents α-synuclein pathology and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mice |journal=Science Translational Medicine |language=en |volume=10 |issue=465 |doi=10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4066 |issn=1946-6234 |pmc=6483075 |pmid=30381407 |article-number=eaah4066}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Jingyi |last2=Zhao |first2=Jingwei |last3=Chen |first3=Longmin |last4=Gao |first4=Hongling |last5=Zhang |first5=Jing |last6=Wang |first6=Danlei |last7=Zou |first7=Yuan |last8=Qin |first8=Qixiong |last9=Qu |first9=Yi |last10=Li |first10=Jiangting |last11=Xiong |first11=Yongjie |last12=Min |first12=Zhe |last13=Yan |first13=Manli |last14=Mao |first14=Zhijuan |last15=Xue |first15=Zheng |date=2023-02-01 |title=α-Synuclein induces Th17 differentiation and impairs the function and stability of Tregs by promoting RORC transcription in Parkinson's disease |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0889159122004287 |journal=Brain, Behavior, and Immunity |volume=108 |pages=32–44 |doi=10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.023 |pmid=36343753 |issn=0889-1591|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Schizophrenia===
{{See also|Dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia}}
Increased levels of dopamine have long been implicated in the development of [[schizophrenia]].<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = van Rossum J |chapter=The significance of dopamine-receptor blockade for the action of neuroleptic drugs |year=1967 | veditors = Brill H, Cole J, Deniker P, Hippius H, Bradley PB |pages=321–9 |title=Neuropsychopharmacology, Proceedings Fifth Collegium Internationale Neuropsychopharmacologicum |oclc=458719}}</ref> However, much debate continues to this day surrounding this [[dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia]]. Despite the controversy, dopamine antagonists remain a standard and successful treatment for schizophrenia. These antagonists include [[typical antipsychotic|first generation (typical) antipsychotics]] such as [[butyrophenones]], [[phenothiazines]], and [[thioxanthenes]]. These drugs have largely been replaced by [[atypical antipsychotic|second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics]] such as [[clozapine]] and [[paliperidone]]. In general, these drugs do not act on dopamine-producing neurons themselves, but on the receptors on the post-synaptic neuron.

Other, non-pharmacological evidence in support of the dopamine hypothesis relating to the substantia nigra include structural changes in the pars compacta, such as reduction in synaptic terminal size.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kolomeets NS, Uranova NA | title = Synaptic contacts in schizophrenia: studies using immunocytochemical identification of dopaminergic neurons | journal = Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | pages = 217–21 | year = 1999 | pmid = 10432512 | doi = 10.1007/BF02465329 | s2cid = 2233617 }}</ref> Other changes in the substantia nigra include increased expression of [[NMDA receptor]]s in the substantia nigra, and reduced [[dysbindin]] expression. Increased NMDA receptors may point to the involvement of [[glutamate]]-[[dopamine]] interactions in schizophrenia. Dysbindin, which has been (controversially) linked to schizophrenia, may regulate dopamine release, and low expression of dysbindin in the substantia nigra may be important in schizophrenia etiology.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kumamoto N, Matsuzaki S, Inoue K, Hattori T, Shimizu S, Hashimoto R, Yamatodani A, Katayama T, Tohyama M | title = Hyperactivation of midbrain dopaminergic system in schizophrenia could be attributed to the down-regulation of dysbindin | journal = Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | volume = 345 | issue = 2 | pages = 904–9 | date = June 2006 | pmid = 16701550 | doi = 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.04.163 }}</ref> Due to the changes to the substantia nigra in the schizophrenic brain, it may eventually be possible to use specific imaging techniques (such as neuromelanin-specific imaging) to detect physiological signs of schizophrenia in the substantia nigra.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Shibata E, Sasaki M, Tohyama K, Otsuka K, Endoh J, Terayama Y, Sakai A | title = Use of neuromelanin-sensitive MRI to distinguish schizophrenic and depressive patients and healthy individuals based on signal alterations in the substantia nigra and locus ceruleus | journal = Biological Psychiatry | volume = 64 | issue = 5 | pages = 401–6 | date = September 2008 | pmid = 18452894 | doi = 10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.03.021 | s2cid = 25752976 }}</ref>

=== Wooden Chest Syndrome ===
[[Wooden chest]], also called fentanyl chest wall rigidity syndrome, is a rare side effect of synthetic [[opioid]]s such as [[Fentanyl]], Sulfentanil, [[Alfentanil]], [[Remifentanil]]. It results in a generalised increase in skeletal [[muscle tone]]. The mechanism is thought to be via increased dopamine release and decreased GABA release in the nerves of the substantia nigra/striatum. The effect is most pronounced on the chest wall muscles and can lead to impaired ventilation. The condition is most commonly observed in anaesthesia where rapid and high doses of these drugs are given intravenously.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pergolizzi |first1=Joseph V. |last2=Webster |first2=Lynn R. |last3=Vortsman |first3=Eugene |last4=Ann LeQuang |first4=Jo |last5=Raffa |first5=Robert B. |date=December 2021 |title=Wooden Chest syndrome: The atypical pharmacology of fentanyl overdose |journal=Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics |language=en |volume=46 |issue=6 |pages=1505–1508 |doi=10.1111/jcpt.13484 |pmid=34240442 |issn=0269-4727|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Baruah |first1=Udismita |last2=Gaur |first2=Himanshu |last3=Saigal |first3=Deepti |last4=Pandey |first4=Dimple |date=December 2022 |title=Wooden chest syndrome: A curious case of fentanyl induced rigidity in adults |journal=Indian Journal of Anaesthesia |language=en-US |volume=66 |issue=12 |pages=881–882 |doi=10.4103/ija.ija_171_22 |doi-access=free |issn=0019-5049 |pmc=9842087 |pmid=36654889}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rosal |first1=Nathaniel R. |last2=Thelmo |first2=Franklin L. |last3=Tzarnas |first3=Stephanie |last4=DiCalvo |first4=Lauren |last5=Tariq |first5=Shafaq |last6=Grossman |first6=Craig |date=January 2021 |title=Wooden Chest Syndrome: A Case Report of Fentanyl-Induced Chest Wall Rigidity |journal=Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports |language=en |volume=9 |page=232470962110340 |doi=10.1177/23247096211034036 |issn=2324-7096 |pmc=8312149 |pmid=34301155}}</ref> 

===Multiple system atrophy===
[[Multiple system atrophy]] characterized by neuronal degeneration in the striatum and substantia nigra was previously called ''striatonigral degeneration''.

==Chemical modification of the substantia nigra==
Chemical manipulation and modification of the substantia nigra is important in the fields of [[neuropharmacology]] and [[toxicology]]. Various compounds such as levodopa and MPTP are used in the treatment and study of Parkinson's disease, and many other drugs have effects on the substantia nigra.

===Amphetamine and trace amines===
{{See also|Amphetamine|Trace amine}}
Studies have shown that, in certain brain regions, amphetamine and trace amines increase the concentrations of dopamine in the [[synaptic cleft]], thereby heightening the response of the post-synaptic neuron.<ref name="Miller" /> The various mechanisms by which amphetamine and trace amines affect dopamine concentrations have been studied extensively, and are known to involve both [[dopamine transporter|DAT]] and [[vesicular monoamine transporter 2|VMAT2]].<ref name="Miller">{{cite journal | vauthors = Miller GM | title = The emerging role of trace amine-associated receptor 1 in the functional regulation of monoamine transporters and dopaminergic activity | journal = Journal of Neurochemistry | volume = 116 | issue = 2 | pages = 164–76 | date = January 2011 | pmid = 21073468 | pmc = 3005101 | doi = 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.07109.x }}</ref><ref name="DrugBank 2">{{cite web | title=Amphetamine | url=http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00182#targets | work=DrugBank | publisher= University of Alberta | access-date=13 October 2013 | date=8 February 2013 }}</ref><ref name="E Weihe">{{cite journal | vauthors = Eiden LE, Weihe E | title = VMAT2: a dynamic regulator of brain monoaminergic neuronal function interacting with drugs of abuse | journal = Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences | volume = 1216 | issue = 1 | pages = 86–98 | date = January 2011 | pmid = 21272013 | pmc = 4183197 | doi = 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05906.x | bibcode = 2011NYASA1216...86E }}</ref>  Amphetamine is similar in structure to dopamine and trace amines; as a consequence, it can enter the presynaptic neuron via {{abbr|DAT|dopamine transporter}} as well as by diffusing through the neural membrane directly.<ref name="Miller" /> Upon entering the presynaptic neuron, amphetamine and trace amines activate [[TAAR1]], which, through [[protein kinase]] signaling, induces dopamine efflux, [[phosphorylation|phosphorylation-dependent]] {{abbr|DAT|dopamine transporter}} [[endocytosis|internalization]], and non-competitive reuptake inhibition.<ref name="Miller" /><ref name="TAAR1 Review">{{cite journal | vauthors = Maguire JJ, Parker WA, Foord SM, Bonner TI, Neubig RR, Davenport AP | title = International Union of Pharmacology. LXXII. Recommendations for trace amine receptor nomenclature | journal = Pharmacological Reviews | volume = 61 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–8 | date = March 2009 | pmid = 19325074 | pmc = 2830119 | doi = 10.1124/pr.109.001107 }}</ref> Because of the similarity between amphetamine and trace amines, it is also a substrate for monoamine transporters; as a consequence, it (competitively) inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and other monoamines by competing with them for uptake, as well.<ref name="Miller" />

In addition, amphetamine and trace amines are substrates for the neuronal vesicular monoamine transporter, [[vesicular monoamine transporter 2]] (VMAT2).<ref name="E Weihe" /> When amphetamine is taken up by {{abbr|VMAT2|vesicular monoamine transporter 2}}, the vesicle releases (effluxes) dopamine molecules into the cytosol in exchange.<ref name="E Weihe" />

===Cocaine===
{{See also|Cocaine}}
[[Cocaine]]'s mechanism of action in the human brain includes the inhibition of dopamine reuptake,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Heikkila RE, Cabbat FS, Duvoisin RC | title = Motor activity and rotational behavior after analogs of cocaine: correlation with dopamine uptake blockade | journal = Communications in Psychopharmacology | volume = 3 | issue = 5 | pages = 285–90 | year = 1979 | pmid = 575770 }}</ref> which accounts for cocaine's addictive properties, as dopamine is the critical neurotransmitter for reward. However, cocaine is more active in the dopaminergic neurons of the [[ventral tegmental area]] than the substantia nigra. Cocaine administration increases metabolism in the substantia nigra, which can explain the altered motor function seen in cocaine-using subjects.<ref>{{cite book |title=Cocaine | first1 = Joan M. | last1 = Lakoski | first2 = Matthew P. | last2 = Galloway | first3 = Francis J. | last3 = White | name-list-style = vanc |publisher=Telford Press |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-8493-8813-2}}</ref> The inhibition of dopamine reuptake by cocaine also inhibits the firing of spontaneous action potentials by the pars compacta.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lacey MG, Mercuri NB, North RA | title = Actions of cocaine on rat dopaminergic neurones in vitro | journal = British Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 99 | issue = 4 | pages = 731–5 | date = April 1990 | pmid = 2361170 | pmc = 1917549 | doi = 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1990.tb12998.x }}</ref> The mechanism by which cocaine inhibits dopamine reuptake involves its binding to the [[dopamine transporter]] protein. However, studies show that cocaine can also cause a decrease in DAT [[mRNA]] levels,<ref name="coke">{{cite journal | vauthors = Xia Y, Goebel DJ, Kapatos G, Bannon MJ | title = Quantitation of rat dopamine transporter mRNA: effects of cocaine treatment and withdrawal | journal = Journal of Neurochemistry | volume = 59 | issue = 3 | pages = 1179–82 | date = September 1992 | pmid = 1494906 | doi = 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1992.tb08365.x | s2cid = 34068876 }}</ref> most likely due to cocaine blocking dopamine receptors rather than direct interference with transcriptional or translational pathways.<ref name = coke/>

Inactivation of the substantia nigra could prove to be a possible treatment for cocaine addiction. In a study of cocaine-dependent rats, inactivation of the substantia nigra via implanted [[cannulae]] greatly reduced cocaine addiction relapse.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = See RE, Elliott JC, Feltenstein MW | title = The role of dorsal vs ventral striatal pathways in cocaine-seeking behavior after prolonged abstinence in rats | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 194 | issue = 3 | pages = 321–31 | date = October 2007 | pmid = 17589830 | doi = 10.1007/s00213-007-0850-8 | s2cid = 12652533 }}</ref>

===Levodopa===
{{See also|Levodopa}}
The substantia nigra is the target of chemical therapeutics for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. [[Levodopa]] (commonly referred to as L-DOPA), the dopamine precursor, is the most commonly prescribed medication for Parkinson's disease, despite controversy concerning the [[neurotoxicity]] of dopamine and L-DOPA.<ref name="pmid9017256">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cheng N, Maeda T, Kume T, Kaneko S, Kochiyama H, Akaike A, Goshima Y, Misu Y | title = Differential neurotoxicity induced by L-DOPA and dopamine in cultured striatal neurons | journal = Brain Research | volume = 743 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 278–83 | date = December 1996 | pmid = 9017256 | doi = 10.1016/S0006-8993(96)01056-6 | s2cid = 22529926 }}</ref> The drug is especially effective in treating patients in the early stages of Parkinson's, although it does lose its efficacy over time.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rascol O, Payoux P, Ory F, Ferreira JJ, Brefel-Courbon C, Montastruc JL | title = Limitations of current Parkinson's disease therapy | journal = Annals of Neurology | volume = 53 | pages = S3–12; discussion S12–5 | year = 2003 | issue = Suppl 3 | pmid = 12666094 | doi = 10.1002/ana.10513 | s2cid = 45078589 }}</ref> Levodopa can cross the [[blood–brain barrier]] and increases dopamine levels in the substantia nigra, thus alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The drawback of levodopa treatment is that it treats the symptoms of Parkinson's (low dopamine levels), rather than the cause (the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra).

===MPTP===
{{See also|MPTP}}
[[MPTP]], is a [[neurotoxin]] specific to dopaminergic cells in the brain, specifically in the substantia nigra. MPTP was brought to the spotlight in 1982 when heroin users in California displayed Parkinson's-like symptoms after using [[MPPP]] contaminated with MPTP. The patients, who were rigid and almost completely immobile, responded to levodopa treatment. No remission of the Parkinson's-like symptoms was reported, suggesting irreversible death of the dopaminergic neurons.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Langston JW, Ballard P, Tetrud JW, Irwin I | title = Chronic Parkinsonism in humans due to a product of meperidine-analog synthesis | journal = Science | volume = 219 | issue = 4587 | pages = 979–80 | date = February 1983 | pmid = 6823561 | doi = 10.1126/science.6823561 | bibcode = 1983Sci...219..979L | s2cid = 31966839 }}</ref> The proposed mechanism of MPTP involves disruption of [[mitochondria]]l function, including disruption of [[metabolism]] and creation of [[free radical]]s.<ref name="MPTP">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schmidt N, Ferger B | title = Neurochemical findings in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease | journal = Journal of Neural Transmission | volume = 108 | issue = 11 | pages = 1263–82 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11768626 | doi = 10.1007/s007020100004 | s2cid = 2834254 }}</ref>

Soon after, MPTP was tested in animal models for its efficacy in inducing Parkinson's disease (with success). MPTP induced akinesia, rigidity, and tremor in primates, and its neurotoxicity was found to be very specific to the substantia nigra pars compacta.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Langston JW, Forno LS, Rebert CS, Irwin I | title = Selective nigral toxicity after systemic administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrine (MPTP) in the squirrel monkey | journal = Brain Research | volume = 292 | issue = 2 | pages = 390–4 | date = February 1984 | pmid = 6607092 | doi = 10.1016/0006-8993(84)90777-7 | s2cid = 34183578 }}</ref> In other animals, such as rodents, the induction of Parkinson's by MPTP is incomplete or requires much higher and frequent doses than in primates. Today, MPTP remains the most favored method to induce Parkinson's disease in [[animal models]].<ref name="MPTP" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Blanchet PJ, Calon F, Morissette M, Hadj Tahar A, Bélanger N, Samadi P, Grondin R, Grégoire L, Meltzer L, Di Paolo T, Bédard PJ | title = Relevance of the MPTP primate model in the study of dyskinesia priming mechanisms | journal = Parkinsonism & Related Disorders | volume = 10 | issue = 5 | pages = 297–304 | date = July 2004 | pmid = 15196509 | doi = 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2004.02.011 }}</ref>

==History==
The substantia nigra was discovered in 1784 by [[Félix Vicq-d'Azyr]],<ref name="Tubbs11">{{cite journal | vauthors = Tubbs RS, Loukas M, Shoja MM, Mortazavi MM, Cohen-Gadol AA | title = Félix Vicq d'Azyr (1746-1794): early founder of neuroanatomy and royal French physician | journal = Child's Nervous System | volume = 27 | issue = 7 | pages = 1031–4 | date = July 2011 | pmid = 21445631 | doi = 10.1007/s00381-011-1424-y | doi-access = free }}</ref> and [[Samuel Thomas von Sömmerring]] alluded to this structure in 1791.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Swanson LW | title = Neuroanatomical terminology: a lexicon of classical origins and historical foundations. | publisher = Oxford University Press | date = 2014 | location = England | isbn = 978-0-19-534062-4 }}</ref> The differentiation between the substantia nigra pars reticulata and compacta was first proposed by Sano in 1910.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1159/000209678 |title=Beitrag zur vergleichenden Anatomie der Substantia nigra, des Corpus Luysii und der Zona incerta |year=1910 | vauthors = Sano T |journal=MSCHR Psychiat Neurol |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=26–34 |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1448601 }}</ref> In 1963, [[Oleh Hornykiewicz]] concluded from his observation that "cell loss in the substantia nigra (of Parkinson's disease patients) could well be the cause of the dopamine deficit in the striatum."<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hornykiewicz|first=O.|title=Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders|chapter=The discovery of dopamine deficiency in the parkinsonian brain|journal=Journal of Neural Transmission. Supplementum|date=2006|issue=70|pages=9–15|editor-last=Riederer|editor-first=P.|publisher=Springer Vienna|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-3-211-45295-0_3|pmid=17017502|isbn=978-3-211-28927-3|editor2-last=Reichmann|editor2-first=H.|editor3-last=Youdim|editor3-first=M. B. H.|editor4-last=Gerlach|editor4-first=M.}}</ref>

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 Image:Dopamine_and_serotonin_pathways.png|Dopamine and serotonin
 File:Blausen 0704 ParkinsonsDisease.png|Degradation of substantia nigra associated with Parkinson's disease.
File:Substantia Nigra.jpg|Horizontal MRI (T1 weighted) slice with highlighting indicating location of the substantia nigra.
File:Substantia nigra pars compacta.jpg|Enhanced Neuromelanin MRI with Color images (RGB) showing Substantia nigra pars compacta
File:SN.tif|Microfilming
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Substantia nigra}}
* {{BrainstemWisconsin|20Substantia}}
* {{BrainMaps|substantia%20nigra|substantia nigra}}
* [https://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI108/BI108_2003_Groups/Deep_Brain_Stimulation/motorloop.html Diagram and explanation of cortico-basal pathways] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623062439/http://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI108/BI108_2003_Groups/Deep_Brain_Stimulation/motorloop.html |date=23 June 2007 }}

{{Mesencephalon}}
{{Basal ganglia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Midbrain]]
[[Category:Basal ganglia]]