Spinal projections from the presumptive midbrain locomotor region in the mouse

Functional diversity for body actions in the mesencephalic locomotor region

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is a key midbrain center with roles in locomotion. Despite extensive studies and clinical trials aimed at therapy-resistant Parkinson's disease (PD), debate on its function remains. Here, we reveal the existence of functionally diverse neuronal populations with distinct roles in control of body movements. We identify two spatially intermingled glutamatergic populations separable by axonal projections, mouse genetics, neuronal activity profiles, and motor functions. Most spinally projecting MLR neurons encoded the full-body behavior rearing. Loss- and gain-of-function optogenetic perturbation experiments establish a function for these neurons in controlling body extension. In contrast, Rbp4-transgene-positive MLR neurons project in an ascending direction to basal ganglia, preferentially encode the forelimb behaviors handling and grooming, and exhibit a role in modulating movement. Thus, the MLR contains glutamatergic neuronal subpopulations stratified by projection target exhibiting roles in action control not restricted to locomotion.

Identification of Spinal Neurons Contributing to the Dorsal Column Projection Mediating Fine Touch and Corrective Motor Movements

Tactile stimuli are integrated and processed by neuronal circuits in the deep dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Several spinal interneuron populations have been implicated in tactile information processing. However, dorsal horn projection neurons that contribute to the postsynaptic dorsal column (PSDC) pathway transmitting tactile information to the brain are poorly characterized. Here, we show that spinal neurons marked by the expression of Zic2cre^ER mediate light touch sensitivity and textural discrimination. A subset of Zic2cre^ER neurons are PSDC neurons that project to brainstem dorsal column nuclei, and chemogenetic activation of Zic2 PSDC neurons increases sensitivity to light touch stimuli. Zic2 neurons receive direct input from the cortex and brainstem motor nuclei and are required for corrective motor movements. These results suggest that Zic2 neurons integrate sensory input from cutaneous afferents with descending signals from the brain to promote corrective movements and transmit processed touch information back to the brain. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Diversity of reticulospinal systems in mammals

Reticulospinal (RS) neurons provide the spinal cord with the executive signals for a large repertoire of motor and autonomic functions, ensuring at the same time that these functions are adapted to the different behavioral contexts. This requires the coordinated action of many RS neurons. In this mini-review, we examine how the RS neurons that carry out specific functions distribute across the three parts of the brain stem. Extensive overlap between populations suggests a need to explore multi-functionality at the single cell-level. We next contrast functional diversity and homogeneity in transmitter phenotype. Then, we examine the molecular genetic mechanisms that specify brain stem development and likely contribute to RS neurons identities. We advocate that a better knowledge of the developmental lineage of the RS neurons and a better knowledge of RS neuron activity across multiple behaviors will help uncover the fundamental principles behind the diversity of RS systems in mammals.

Parallel descending dopaminergic connectivity of A13 cells to the brainstem locomotor centers

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is an important integrative area for the initiation and modulation of locomotion. Recently it has been realized that dopamine (DA) projections from the substantia nigra pars compacta project to the MLR. Here we explore DA projections from an area of the medial zona incerta (ZI) known for its role in motor control onto the MLR. We provide evidence that dopaminergic (DAergic) A13 neurons have connectivity to the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) of the MLR. No ascending connectivity to the dorsolateral striatum was observed. On the other hand, DAergic A13 projections to the medullary reticular formation (MRF) and the lumbar spinal cord were sparse. A small number of non-DAergic neurons within the medial ZI projected to the lumbar spinal cord. We then characterized the DA A13 cells and report that these cells differ from canonical DA neurons since they lack the Dopamine Transporter (DAT). The lack of DAT expression, and possibly the lack of a dopamine reuptake mechanism, points to a longer time of action compared to typical dopamine neurons. Collectively our data suggest a parallel descending DAergic pathway from the A13 neurons of the medial ZI to the MLR, which we expect is important for modulating movement.

Midbrain circuits that set locomotor speed and gait selection

Locomotion is a fundamental motor function common to the animal kingdom. It is executed episodically and adapted to behavioural needs including exploration, requiring slow locomotion, and escaping behaviour, necessitating faster speeds. The control of these functions originates in brainstem structures although the neuronal substrate(s) supporting them are debated. Here, we show in mice that speed/gait selection are controlled by glutamatergic excitatory neurons (GlutNs) segregated in two distinct midbrain nuclei: the Cuneiform Nucleus (CnF) and the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN). GlutNs in each of those two regions are sufficient for controlling slower alternating locomotor behavior but only GlutNs in the CnF are necessary for high-speed synchronous locomotion. Additionally, PPN- and CnF-GlutNs activation dynamics and their input and output connectivity matrices support explorative and escape locomotion, respectively. Our results identify dual regions in the midbrain that act in common to select context dependent locomotor behaviours.

Integration of Descending Command Systems for the Generation of Context-Specific Locomotor Behaviors

Over the past decade there has been a renaissance in our understanding of spinal cord circuits; new technologies are beginning to provide key insights into descending circuits which project onto spinal cord central pattern generators. By integrating work from both the locomotor and animal behavioral fields, we can now examine context-specific control of locomotion, with an emphasis on descending modulation arising from various regions of the brainstem. Here we examine approach and avoidance behaviors and the circuits that lead to the production and arrest of locomotion.

Midbrain stimulation-evoked lumbar spinal activity in the adult decerebrate mouse

BACKGROUND

Genetic techniques rendering murine models a popular choice for neuroscience research has led to important insights on neural networks controlling locomotor function. Using genetically altered mouse models for in vivo, electrophysiological studies in the adult state could validate key principles of locomotor network organization that have been described in neonatal, in vitro preparations.

NEW METHOD

The experimental model presented here describes a decerebrate, in vivo adult mouse preparation in which focal, electrical midbrain stimulation was combined with monitoring lumbar neural activity and motor output after pre-collicular decerebration and neuromuscular blockade.

RESULTS

Lumbar cord dorsum potentials (in 9/10 animals) and motoneuron output (in 3/5 animals) including fictive locomotion, was achieved by focal midbrain stimulation. The stimulation electrode locations could be reconstructed (in 6/7 animals) thereby allowing anatomical identification of the stimulated supraspinal regions.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

This preparation allows for concomitant recording or stimulation in the spinal cord and in the mid/hindbrain of adult mice. It differs from other methods used in the past with adult mice as it does not require pharmacological manipulation of neural excitability in order to generate motor output.

CONCLUSIONS

Midbrain stimulation can consistently be used for inducing lumbar neural activity in adult mice under neuromuscular blockade. This model is suited for examination of brain-spinal connectivity and it may benefit a wide range of fields depending on the features of the genetically modified mouse models used in combination with the presented methods.

Red nucleus and rubrospinal tract disorganization in the absence of Pou4f1

The red nucleus (RN) is a neuronal population that plays an important role in forelimb motor control and locomotion. Histologically it is subdivided into two subpopulations, the parvocellular RN (pRN) located in the diencephalon and the magnocellular RN (mRN) in the mesencephalon. The RN integrates signals from motor cortex and cerebellum and projects to spinal cord interneurons and motor neurons through the rubrospinal tract (RST). Pou4f1 is a transcription factor highly expressed in this nucleus that has been related to its specification. Here we profoundly analyzed consequences of Pou4f1 loss-of-function in development, maturation and axonal projection of the RN. Surprisingly, RN neurons are specified and maintained in the mutant, no cell death was detected. Nevertheless, the nucleus appeared disorganized with a strong delay in radial migration and with a wider neuronal distribution; the neurons did not form a compacted population as they do in controls, Robo1 and Slit2 were miss-expressed. Cplx1 and Npas1, expressed in the RN, are transcription factors involved in neurotransmitter release, neuronal maturation and motor function processes among others. In our mutant mice, both transcription factors are lost, suggesting an abnormal maturation of the RN. The resulting altered nucleus occupied a wider territory. Finally, we examined RST development and found that the RN neurons were able to project to the spinal cord but their axons appeared defasciculated. These data suggest that Pou4f1 is necessary for the maturation of RN neurons but not for their specification and maintenance.

Sprouting of brainstem-spinal tracts in response to unilateral motor cortex stroke in mice

After a stroke to the motor cortex, sprouting of spared contralateral corticospinal fibers into the affected hemicord is one mechanism thought to mediate functional recovery. Little is known, however, about the role of the phylogenetically old, functionally very important brainstem-spinal systems. Adult mice were subjected to a unilateral photothrombotic stroke of the right motor cortex ablating 90% of the cross-projecting corticospinal cells. Unilateral retrograde tracing from the left cervical spinal hemicord devoid of its corticospinal input revealed widespread plastic responses in different brainstem nuclei 4 weeks after stroke. Whereas some nuclei showed no change or a decrease of their spinal projections, several parts of the medullary reticular formation as well as the spinally projecting raphe nuclei increased their projections to the cortically denervated cervical hemicord by 1.2- to 1.6-fold. The terminal density of corticobulbar fibers from the intact, contralesional cortex, which itself formed a fivefold expanded connection to the ipsilateral spinal cord, increased up to 1.6-fold specifically in these plastic, caudal medullary nuclei. A second stroke, ablating the originally spared motor cortex, resulted in the reappearance of the deficits that had partially recovered after the initial right-sided stroke, suggesting dependence of recovered function on the spared cortical hemisphere and its direct corticospinal and indirect corticobulbospinal connections.

Projections from the central amygdaloid nucleus to the precuneiform nucleus in the mouse

The mouse precuneiform nucleus has been proposed as the midbrain locomotion center, a function ascribed to its caudal neighbor, cuneiform nucleus, in the rat, cat and other species. The present study investigated the projections from the central amygdaloid nucleus to the precuneiform nucleus in the mouse using retrograde tracer injections (fluoro-gold) into the precuneiform nucleus and anterograde tracer injections (biotinylated dextran amine) into the central amygdaloid nucleus. The entire central amygdaloid nucleus except the rostral pole had retrogradely labeled neurons, especially in the middle portion where labeled neurons were densely packed. Anterogradely labeled amygdaloid fibers approached the precuneiform nucleus from the area ventrolateral to it and terminated in the entire precuneiform nucleus. Labeled fibers were also found in laminae 5 and 6 in the upper cervical cord on the ipsilateral side. The present study is the first demonstration of projections from the central amygdaloid nucleus to the precuneiform nucleus. This projection may underpin the role of the precuneiform nucleus in the modulation of the cardiovascular activity.

Connections of the superior colliculus to shoulder muscles of the rat: a dual tracing study

Previous investigations indicate that the superior colliculus (SC) is involved in the initiation and execution of forelimb movements. In the present study we investigated the tectofugal, in particular the tecto-reticulo-spinal projections to the shoulder and arm muscles in the rat. We simultaneously retrogradely labeled the premotor neurons in the brainstem by injection of the pseudorabies virus PrV Bartha 614 into the m. rhomboideus minor and m. acromiodeltoideus, and anterogradely visualized the tectofugal projections by intracollicular injection of the tracer FITC dextrane. Our results demonstrate that the connection of the SC to the skeletal muscles of the forelimb is at least trisynaptic. This was confirmed by long survival times after virus injections into the muscles (98-101 h) after which numerous neurons in the deep layers of the SC were labeled. Transsynaptically retrogradely labeled brainstem neurons connected disynaptically to the injected muscles with adjacent tectal terminals were predominantly located in the gigantocellular nuclear complex of the reticular formation. In addition, putative relay neurons were found in the caudal part of the pontine reticular nucleus. Both tectal projections to the nucleus gigantocellularis and the pontine reticular nucleus were bilateral but ipsilaterally biased. We suggest this projection to be involved in more global functions in motivated behavior like general arousal allowing fast voluntary motor activity.

The location of the major ascending and descending spinal cord tracts in all spinal cord segments in the mouse: actual and extrapolated

Information on the location of the major spinal cord tracts in the mouse is sparse. We have collected published data on the position of these tracts in the mouse and have used data from other mammals to identify the most likely position of tracts for which there is no mouse data. We have plotted the position of six descending tracts (corticospinal, rubrospinal, medial and lateral vestibulospinal, rostral and caudal reticulospinal) and eight ascending tracts (gracile; cuneate; postsynaptic dorsal columns; dorsolateral, lateral, and anterior spinothalamic; dorsal and ventral spinocerebellar) on diagrams of transverse sections of all mouse spinal cord segments from the first cervical to the third coccygeal segment.