scholarly journals Periaqueductal efferents to dopamine and GABA neurons of the VTA

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels R. Ntamati ◽  
Meaghan Creed ◽  
Christian Lüscher
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Ventral Tegmental Area ◽  
Periaqueductal Gray ◽  
Retrograde Tracing ◽  
The Other ◽  
Projection Neurons ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Gaba Neurons ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Cell Type Specific

AbstractNeurons in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) modulate threat responses and nociception. Activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) on the other hand can cause reinforcement and aversion. While in many situations these behaviors are related, the anatomical substrate of a crosstalk between the PAG and VTA remains poorly understood. Here we describe the anatomical and electrophysiological organization of the VTA-projecting PAG neurons. Using rabies-based, cell type-specific retrograde tracing, we observed that PAG to VTA projection neurons are evenly distributed along the rostro-caudal axis of the PAG, but concentrated in its posterior and ventrolateral segments. Optogenetic projection targeting demonstrated that the PAG-to-VTA pathway is predominantly excitatory and targets similar proportions of Ih-expressing VTA DA and GABA neurons. Taken together, these results set the framework for functional analysis of the interplay between PAG and VTA in the regulation of reward and aversion.

scholarly journals Connectivity characterization of the mouse basolateral amygdalar complex

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Houri Hintiryan ◽  
Ian Bowman ◽  
David L. Johnson ◽  
Laura Korobkova ◽  
Muye Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granular Cell ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Projection Neurons ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Connectivity Map ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Unique Domain

AbstractThe basolateral amygdalar complex (BLA) is implicated in behaviors ranging from fear acquisition to addiction. Optogenetic methods have enabled the association of circuit-specific functions to uniquely connected BLA cell types. Thus, a systematic and detailed connectivity profile of BLA projection neurons to inform granular, cell type-specific interrogations is warranted. Here, we apply machine-learning based computational and informatics analysis techniques to the results of circuit-tracing experiments to create a foundational, comprehensive BLA connectivity map. The analyses identify three distinct domains within the anterior BLA (BLAa) that house target-specific projection neurons with distinguishable morphological features. We identify brain-wide targets of projection neurons in the three BLAa domains, as well as in the posterior BLA, ventral BLA, posterior basomedial, and lateral amygdalar nuclei. Inputs to each nucleus also are identified via retrograde tracing. The data suggests that connectionally unique, domain-specific BLAa neurons are associated with distinct behavior networks.

scholarly journals Target-specific M1 inputs to infragranular S1 pyramidal neurons

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 1261-1274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda K. Kinnischtzke ◽  
Erika E. Fanselow ◽  
Daniel J. Simons
Keyword(s):  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Projection Neurons ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Intrinsic Properties ◽  
Subcortical Structures ◽  
Medial Nucleus ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Posterior Medial Nucleus

The functional role of input from the primary motor cortex (M1) to primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is unclear; one key to understanding this pathway may lie in elucidating the cell-type specific microcircuits that connect S1 and M1. Recently, we discovered that a subset of pyramidal neurons in the infragranular layers of S1 receive especially strong input from M1 (Kinnischtzke AK, Simons DJ, Fanselow EE. Cereb Cortex 24: 2237–2248, 2014), suggesting that M1 may affect specific classes of pyramidal neurons differently. Here, using combined optogenetic and retrograde labeling approaches in the mouse, we examined the strengths of M1 inputs to five classes of infragranular S1 neurons categorized by their projections to particular cortical and subcortical targets. We found that the magnitude of M1 synaptic input to S1 pyramidal neurons varies greatly depending on the projection target of the postsynaptic neuron. Of the populations examined, M1-projecting corticocortical neurons in L6 received the strongest M1 inputs, whereas ventral posterior medial nucleus-projecting corticothalamic neurons, also located in L6, received the weakest. Each population also possessed distinct intrinsic properties. The results suggest that M1 differentially engages specific classes of S1 projection neurons, thereby regulating the motor-related influence S1 exerts over subcortical structures.

A functional analysis of flying and walking in pterosaurs

Paleobiology ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Padian
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Shoulder Girdle ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
The Other ◽  
Bipedal Locomotion ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Wing Membrane ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Recovery Stroke

An analysis of the structure and kinematics of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of pterosaurs, and functional analogy with recent and fossil vertebrates, supports a reappraisal of the locomotory abilities of pterosaurs. A hypothesis of structural, aerodynamic, and evolutionary differences distinguishing vertebrate gliders from fliers is proposed; pterosaurs fit all the criteria of fliers but none pertaining to gliders. The kinematics of the reconstructed pterosaur flight stroke reveal a down-and-forward component found also in birds and bats; structural features of the shoulder girdle and sternum unique to pterosaurs may be explained in light of this motion. The recovery stroke of flight was accomplished, in birdlike fashion, by a functional reversal of the action of theM. supracoracoideusby the pronounced enlargement of the acrocoracoid process, which acted as a pulley. The wing membrane was supported and controlled through a system of stiffened, intercalated fibers, which were oriented like the main structural elements in the wings of birds and bats.The hindlimbs of pterosaurs were independent of the wing membrane, and articulated like those of other advanced archosaurs and birds, not like those of bats. The gait was parasagittal and the stance digitigrade. Because of limitations on the motion of the forelimb at the shoulder, pterosaurs could not have walked quadrupedally. However, bipedal locomotion appears to have been normal and quite sufficient in all pterosaurs. There is nothing batlike about pterosaur anatomy; on the other hand, pterosaurs bear close structural resemblances to birds and dinosaurs, to which they are most closely related phylogenetically.

scholarly journals Gateway-compatible vectors for functional analysis of proteins in cell type specific manner

Plant Methods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liu Zhang ◽  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Haiyan Liang ◽  
Xugang Li ◽  
Kimberly L. Gallagher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Specific Manner ◽  
Cell Type Specific

scholarly journals Cell-Type-Specific Sensorimotor Processing in Striatal Projection Neurons during Goal-Directed Behavior

Neuron ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Sippy ◽  
Damien Lapray ◽  
Sylvain Crochet ◽  
Carl C.H. Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Projection Neurons ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Sensorimotor Processing ◽  
Striatal Projection Neurons ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Goal Directed Behavior

scholarly journals Spatially patterned excitatory neuron subtypes and circuits within the claustrum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah R Erwin ◽  
Brianna N Bristow ◽  
Kaitlin E Sullivan ◽  
Brian Marriott ◽  
Lihua Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Retrograde Tracing ◽  
Excitatory Neuron ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Narrow Region ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Functional Complexity

The claustrum is a functionally and structurally complex brain region, whose very spatial extent remains debated. Histochemical-based approaches typically treat the claustrum as a relatively narrow region that primarily projects to the neocortex, whereas circuit-based approaches suggest a broader region embedding neocortical and other neural circuits. Here, we took a bottom up, cell-type-specific approach to complement and possibly unite these seemingly disparate conclusions. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we found that the claustrum is comprised of two excitatory neuron subtypes that are differentiable from the surrounding cortex. Multicolor retrograde tracing in conjunction with 12-channel multiplexed in situ hybridization revealed a core-shell spatial arrangement of these subtypes, as well as differential projection targets. Thus, the claustrum is comprised of excitatory neuron subtypes with distinct molecular and circuit properties, whose spatial patterns reflect the narrower and broader claustral extents debated in previous research. This subtype-specific heterogeneity likely shapes the functional complexity of the claustrum.

scholarly journals Cell type-specific membrane potential changes in dorsolateral striatum accompanying reward-based sensorimotor learning

Function ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Sippy ◽  
Corryn Chaimowitz ◽  
Sylvain Crochet ◽  
Carl C H Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Dopamine Receptors ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Projection Neurons ◽  
Striatal Neurons ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Indirect Pathway ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Striatal Membrane ◽  
Sensory Evoked

Abstract The striatum integrates sensorimotor and motivational signals, likely playing a key role in reward-based learning of goal-directed behavior. However, cell type-specific mechanisms underlying reinforcement learning remain to be precisely determined. Here, we investigated changes in membrane potential dynamics of dorsolateral striatal neurons comparing naïve mice and expert mice trained to lick a reward spout in response to whisker deflection. We recorded from three distinct cell types: i) direct pathway striatonigral neurons, which express type 1 dopamine receptors; ii) indirect pathway striatopallidal neurons, which express type 2 dopamine receptors; and iii) tonically active, putative cholinergic, striatal neurons. Task learning was accompanied by cell type-specific changes in the membrane potential dynamics evoked by the whisker deflection and licking in successfully-performed trials. Both striatonigral and striatopallidal types of striatal projection neurons showed enhanced task-related depolarization across learning. Striatonigral neurons showed a prominent increase in a short latency sensory-evoked depolarization in expert compared to naïve mice. In contrast, the putative cholinergic striatal neurons developed a hyperpolarizing response across learning, driving a pause in their firing. Our results reveal cell type-specific changes in striatal membrane potential dynamics across the learning of a simple goal-directed sensorimotor transformation, helpful for furthering the understanding of the various potential roles of different basal ganglia circuits.

scholarly journals Circuit organization of the excitatory sensorimotor loop through hand/forelimb S1 and M1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Yamawaki ◽  
Martinna G. Raineri Tapies ◽  
Austin M. Stults ◽  
Gregory A. Smith ◽  
Gordon M. G. Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Active Touch ◽  
Projection Neurons ◽  
Cuneate Nucleus ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Wiring Diagram ◽  
Cortical Motor ◽  
Somatosensory Input ◽  
Ascending Pathways ◽  
Cell Type Specific

Sensory-guided limb control relies on communication across sensorimotor loops. For active touch with the hand, the longest loop is the transcortical continuation of ascending pathways, particularly the lemnisco-cortical and corticocortical pathways carrying tactile signals via the cuneate nucleus, ventral posterior lateral (VPL) thalamus, and primary somatosensory (S1) and motor (M1) cortices to reach corticospinal neurons and influence descending activity. We characterized excitatory connectivity along this pathway in the mouse. In the lemnisco-cortical leg, disynaptic cuneate→VPL→S1 connections excited mainly layer (L) 4 neurons. In the corticocortical leg, S1→M1 connections from L2/3 and L5A neurons mainly excited downstream L2/3 neurons, which excite corticospinal neurons. The findings provide a detailed new wiring diagram for the hand/forelimb-related transcortical circuit, delineating a basic but complex set of cell-type-specific feedforward excitatory connections that selectively and extensively engage diverse intratelencephalic projection neurons, thereby polysynaptically linking subcortical somatosensory input to cortical motor output to spinal cord.

scholarly journals Cell type-specific modulation of sensory and affective components of itch in the periaqueductal gray

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay K. Samineni ◽  
Jose G. Grajales-Reyes ◽  
Saranya S. Sundaram ◽  
Judy J. Yoo ◽  
Robert W. Gereau
Keyword(s):  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Periaqueductal Gray ◽  
Gabaergic Neurons ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Glutamatergic Neurons ◽  
Neuronal Populations ◽  
Chronic Itch ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Bidirectional Modulation ◽  
Affective Components

Abstract Itch is a distinct aversive sensation that elicits a strong urge to scratch. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the peripheral basis of itch, we know very little regarding how central neural circuits modulate acute and chronic itch processing. Here we establish the causal contributions of defined periaqueductal gray (PAG) neuronal populations in itch modulation in mice. Chemogenetic manipulations demonstrate bidirectional modulation of scratching by neurons in the PAG. Fiber photometry studies show that activity of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in the PAG is modulated in an opposing manner during chloroquine-evoked scratching. Furthermore, activation of PAG GABAergic neurons or inhibition of glutamatergic neurons resulted in attenuation of scratching in both acute and chronic pruritis. Surprisingly, PAG GABAergic neurons, but not glutamatergic neurons, may encode the aversive component of itch. Thus, the PAG represents a neuromodulatory hub that regulates both the sensory and affective aspects of acute and chronic itch.

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