Since GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are highly susceptible to oxidative stress after transient global cerebral ischemia66 with prenatal ischemia leading to reduced dendritic branching and spine density in MSNs67, we hypothesise that impaired neuronal Hbb function may increase the vulnerability of MSNs to oxidative stress with consequent effects on dendritic spine density and function in MSNs of the NAcb, potentially as a manifestation of antenatal and developmental hypoxia. The gene discussed is HBB; the disease is ischemia.