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The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region: Beyond Locomotor Control.

Brian R Noga1, Patrick J Whelan2,3

  • 1The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.

Frontiers in Neural Circuits
|May 26, 2022
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Summary

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), comprising cuneiform and pedunculopontine nuclei, controls locomotion and primes cardiovascular/respiratory systems. It integrates diverse inputs for state-dependent motor control, including escape and exploration.

Keywords:
aminergicbrainstemdopaminelocomotionmotor controlspinal cord

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Comparative Anatomy
  • Motor Control

Background:

  • The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) was first identified in cats decades ago.
  • It comprises the cuneiform nucleus and pedunculopontine nucleus.
  • MLR homologues are found across diverse vertebrate species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anatomical and functional connectomes of the pedunculopontine nucleus and cuneiform nucleus.
  • To explore the MLR's role beyond locomotion, including autonomic and respiratory functions.
  • To highlight species-specific similarities and differences in MLR function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing anatomical and functional studies.
  • Analysis of connectomes from diverse vertebrate species.
  • Comparison of MLR roles in locomotion, autonomic, and respiratory systems.

Main Results:

  • The MLR primes cardiovascular and respiratory systems before locomotion.
  • It integrates inputs from higher brain structures for state-dependent locomotion.
  • MLR outputs influence motor behaviors like escape and exploration via projections to other brain regions.

Conclusions:

  • The MLR is crucial for coordinating locomotion with autonomic and respiratory functions.
  • Its state-dependent activation allows for flexible behavioral responses.
  • Comparative analysis reveals conserved and divergent features of the MLR across species.