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Related Concept Videos

Indirect Motor Pathways01:22

Indirect Motor Pathways

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The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
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Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay01:27

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The thalamus, often called “the gateway to the cerebral cortex,” is vital in processing and directing sensory and motor signals throughout the brain. Almost all inputs destined for the cerebral cortex, except for olfactory signals, are relayed through the thalamus. The thalamus is  a sophisticated relay station, channeling information from various brain regions to the cerebral cortex, as well as a filter, prioritizing certain signals over others based on current physiological...
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Direct Motor Pathways01:11

Direct Motor Pathways

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The direct motor pathways, also known as the pyramidal tracts, are a group of neural pathways that originate in the brain and descend through the spinal cord. They control the voluntary movement of the body. There are two major direct motor pathways: the corticospinal and the corticobulbar tracts.
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and...
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Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

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The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
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Somatic Spinal Reflexes01:22

Somatic Spinal Reflexes

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Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
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Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation01:13

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

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The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
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In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior
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Descending Dopaminergic Inputs to Reticulospinal Neurons Promote Locomotor Movements.

Dimitri Ryczko1,2,3, Swantje Grätsch4, Michael H Alpert5

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com rejean.dubuc@gmail.com.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|October 1, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Dopamine-producing neurons directly influence lamprey swimming by releasing dopamine in brainstem motor circuits. This study reveals a novel descending pathway that modulates reticulospinal neurons, impacting locomotor commands to the spinal cord.

Keywords:
dopaminelampreylocomotionreticulospinal neurons

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Comparative Physiology
  • Neurobiology

Background:

  • Meso-diencephalic dopaminergic neurons modulate locomotion via basal ganglia and mesencephalic locomotor region.
  • Dopamine also influences locomotor activity through descending projections to the brainstem and spinal cord.
  • Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing fibers are observed near lamprey reticulospinal neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origin and function of dopaminergic innervation of reticulospinal neurons in lampreys.
  • To determine if dopamine release in the reticular nuclei affects locomotor behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence and tracing experiments to identify dopaminergic projections.
  • Voltammetry in isolated brain preparations to measure dopamine release.
  • Semi-intact lamprey preparations to assess swimming behavior and neuronal activity.

Main Results:

  • Dopamine-innervating fibers were found in all four reticular nuclei of lampreys.
  • Dopaminergic neurons in the posterior tuberculum (PT) project to these nuclei.
  • PT stimulation evoked dopamine release in reticular nuclei and swimming behavior, which was inhibited by a D1 receptor antagonist.

Conclusions:

  • Dopaminergic neurons directly modulate reticulospinal neurons, influencing locomotor control.
  • This study identifies a novel descending dopaminergic projection to brainstem motor circuits.
  • Findings support the role of dopamine in modulating locomotion through both ascending and descending pathways.