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The midbrain periaqueductal gray: a brainstem structure involved in vocalization.

Journal of Speech and Hearing Research

|June 1, 1985

Summary

Electrical stimulation of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) in monkeys initiated vocalizations and muscle activity. Specific PAG neurons fired before vocalization, suggesting a role in controlling animal sounds.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Primate Vocalization Research
Animal Behavior

Background:

The neural mechanisms underlying vocalization are complex.
The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) is implicated in vocal control.
Understanding PAG function is crucial for deciphering vocal initiation and modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) in eliciting and controlling vocalizations in non-human primates.
To identify neural pathways and neuronal activity within the PAG associated with phonation.
To explore the PAG's contribution to vocal intensity and emotional expression.

Main Methods:

Electrical microstimulation of the PAG in Macaca fascicularis and Macaca mulatta monkeys.
Electromyographic (EMG) recordings from laryngeal, thoracic, tongue, and facial muscles.
Single-unit recordings from PAG neurons and spike-triggered averaging.
Microstimulation mapping of PAG neuronal projections.

Main Results:

PAG stimulation reliably elicited phonation resembling natural vocalizations.
EMG recordings showed increased muscle activity in multiple systems post-stimulation.
PAG neurons exhibited increased firing rates preceding vocalization onset.
Evidence suggested projections from PAG neurons to the laryngeal system.

Conclusions:

The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays a critical role in initiating and coordinating vocalizations.
PAG neurons are involved in the timing and execution of phonation.
The PAG may integrate signals for vocal intensity and emotional vocalizations.

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